tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342753212018-03-14T19:27:15.934-04:00Jill's WorldLife may not be the party we hoped for...
But while we're here, we should dance.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.comBlogger1315125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-36044112226401401052018-03-14T09:50:00.000-04:002018-03-14T09:50:01.234-04:00Stephen King: The man who could make me afraid of my own car.As I've mentioned several times in recent blog posts, I'm reading Christine by Stephen King right now.&nbsp; I started it two weeks ago, and considering that it is a monstrosity of a book (over 500 pages), and that I'm a fairly slow reader, it's kind of a miracle that I'm over three-quarters of the way through it in that time.&nbsp; That's a testament to the storyteller, I suppose.&nbsp;<br /><br />I first fell for Stephen King during my teen years, in those late stages of high school, when suddenly Christopher Pike and VC Andrews weren't quite scary enough for me anymore.&nbsp; I remember discovering the King section on the school library shelves.&nbsp; I remember how massive those books looked - huge, hardcovered volumes that awed and amazed me just upon sight.&nbsp; I remember how they smelled, that musty yet delightful old book smell (one big reason why I still read book-books and don't own an e-reader).&nbsp; I remember the little thrill of excitement I got at the prospect of diving in.<br /><br />I don't remember which was my first.&nbsp; And I certainly didn't read them all.&nbsp; In fact, for a King fan, I think I can claim to have read only a paltry few.&nbsp; I distinctly can recall Carrie and Thinner.&nbsp; I remember the harrowing weeks I was immersed in The Shining.&nbsp; I still consider Pet Semetary and The Dead Zone two of my favourite books of all time.<br /><br />I took a break from Stephen King after my college years, and I'm not even sure why.&nbsp; Other books to read, I guess, other titles and authors that grabbed me.&nbsp; It wasn't until several years ago, when a friend claimed on Facebook that The Stand was the best book that she'd ever read, that I picked up another Stephen King novel.&nbsp; I didn't love The Stand.&nbsp; I wouldn't rank it among my favourite books ever.&nbsp; It was massive, and it took me months to plow through it.&nbsp; I remember being so relieved when I was finally done.&nbsp; And yet, <i>so </i>well written.&nbsp; Certain scenes from it can come back to me in a second; come alive right before my eyes just as I think of them.&nbsp; Some of them so disturbing I wish I could forget.&nbsp; I mean, for <i>months</i>, every time I heard anyone sneeze, my first thought was, "Oh no!&nbsp; You've got it too!&nbsp; It's the end of the world!!"<br /><br />The masterful work of an amazing writer.&nbsp; And he's doing it to me again.<br /><br />This year, our book club is trying out something different.&nbsp; For one of our meetings (coming up this summer), everyone is to read a best seller from their birth year.&nbsp; Lists were sent out of best sellers for the birth years of all regular attendees, and we had to choose one from our year.&nbsp; Let me say, I wasn't all that impressed with the choices available for 1983.&nbsp; One of them was Pet Semetary, which I read in high school and loved, but I wanted to pick something I hadn't read before.&nbsp; For me, based on the other choices, the only one that interested me at all was Christine.<br /><br />And even then, I was skeptical. I mean, seriously?&nbsp; A scary novel about a CAR?&nbsp; How the hell is a CAR going to scare me?&nbsp; It isn't what I think of when I think of horror.&nbsp; A car doesn't sound like much of a villain to me.<br /><br />Oh, but you guys.&nbsp; Oh, <i>she is</i>.&nbsp; She is scary.&nbsp; And getting scarier with every passing chapter.<br /><br />And how do I know this scary car has wormed her way into my head?&nbsp; Because it's not just poor ol' Arnie Cunningham who has to deal with her.&nbsp;<i> She's starting to mess with me, too.</i><br /><br />I drive a 2013 Ford Focus.&nbsp; Fire engine red, and named Purdy after the sales lady who sold her to me.&nbsp; A cute little car that gets me from point A to point B, and has caused me little trouble over the past five years, save for a flat tire on a freezing cold day a few years ago.&nbsp; A car I neglect to wash on a regular basis, but for the most part, I really do love.<br /><br />Yesterday, I left work at my usual time in the winter, at 4 PM.&nbsp; I went out to my car and was glad I didn't have to clean the snow off of it, because even though the fluffy flakes had fallen pretty well all day, it was warm enough out that it was melting on contact.&nbsp; My car was clean and ready to roll.<br /><br />I got in, turned the key in the ignition, and as I sat adjusting the radio station, my gaze flashed to the screen on my dash where the outside temperature lights up.&nbsp; It said it was 10 degrees Celsius.&nbsp; As it was snowing at that very moment, I knew the temp was wrong, but that's not unusual.&nbsp; Sometimes in the summer, if the car has been sitting in the sun, it can register 40 degrees or more, and the temperature gradually drops as the car cools off.&nbsp; The thought <i>did </i>cross my mind that it wasn't sunny at all yesterday, not even a little bit.&nbsp; Overcast and snowing, all day.&nbsp; Still, not that big a deal.<br /><br />As I slowly drove down the 5th Concession to the highway, doing my best to dodge the potholes, I noticed the temperature starting to drop on the screen.&nbsp; 9.&nbsp; Then 8... 7... 6.&nbsp; Suddenly, the numbers started to flash by so fast, until it had plummeted to -30.&nbsp; My eyes widened.&nbsp; I'd never seen it do that before.&nbsp; My stomach did an odd little flip as I thought of the book and how strange little things happen like that with Arnie's car.&nbsp; Like the odometer that runs backwards.<br /><br />I could almost see Arnie's little half-grin.&nbsp; <i>Just a glitch, I guess...</i><br /><i><br /></i>Then, after a brief moment, the numbers ran up again, zipping all the way back up to 10 degrees.&nbsp; And then they slowly started going back down.<br /><i><br /></i>"CHRISTINE!!!!!!!" I cried out.&nbsp;<br /><br />Like, literally.&nbsp; I screamed the name of that car.&nbsp; Even though it's not the name of my car.&nbsp; Because in that moment, I felt very certain that my car was no longer my car anymore.&nbsp; Christine had taken over.&nbsp; It was possessed, in some small yet terrifying way.<br /><br />Damn you, Stephen King.&nbsp; Damn you and your scary car book that has wormed its way into my head.&nbsp; Damn you for making me just a little bit fearful of my own perfectly innocent, sweet little car.<br /><br />He's a master.&nbsp; An absolute master.<br /><br />I can't wait to see how the rest of this book plays out.&nbsp; Christine has started her murdering ways, and she is gruesome.&nbsp; Ruthless.&nbsp; I'm afraid to pick up the book to see what's next, yet also so intrigued that I can't seem to put it down.&nbsp; I can't wait to see how this all plays out for Arnie and his bitch of a car.<br /><br />I just hope that my little "glitch" doesn't happen again.... Keep my car out of it, King.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-4482485051371456132018-03-13T10:31:00.000-04:002018-03-13T10:31:35.019-04:00Tuesday RandomsHappy Tuesday, friends!&nbsp; Here's some of the random running through my brain this morning...<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://midwesternatheart.com/" target="_blank">Nicole</a>, after reading your most recent post, I know you're not going to like this... but sonofabitch, I HATE this time change!!!&nbsp; I already have a hard time dragging my butt out of bed on a good day.&nbsp; &nbsp;Take away an hour of my sleep, and I'm a MESS.&nbsp; Even still, two days later, I'm out of sorts.&nbsp; I lay in bed an extra 10 minutes longer than usual this morning and it just sets the whole day off on the wrong foot.&nbsp; Ugh.&nbsp; Damn you, time change.</li><li>I know, I know...for those of you with kids, it's ten times worse.&nbsp; I have really come to the conclusion that I don't think I can have children.&nbsp; I like my sleep too much.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>This past weekend was St. Paddy's Day weekend in our town, and for the first time in, like... ever??&nbsp; I did not participate.&nbsp; I'm a little sad about that, and yet I know if I went back in time, I still wouldn't go.&nbsp; I just wasn't feeling it this year, and I have no idea why.</li><li>Actually, that's not true.&nbsp; I know why I didn't go to the Legion on Saturday night.&nbsp; That was because I curled two games in the Lions bonspiel, and the proper factors did line up for the party to carry on into the night for me.&nbsp; A) My arms were sore.&nbsp; I hate sweeping.&nbsp; B) I did not get the right level of drunk.&nbsp; My beers were too well spaced out throughout the day.&nbsp; C) I was starting to yawn at, like, 8 PM.&nbsp; My bed was calling me.&nbsp; D)&nbsp; I did not want to be hungover.&nbsp;</li><li>And the reason I skipped Gav's on Sunday was because I felt blech.&nbsp; No, I didn't have a hangover, but I was just not in the mood, and I developed a sinusy headache in the afternoon.&nbsp; I spent the afternoon on the couch watching House of Cards.&nbsp; You couldn't have paid me to move.&nbsp;I was in a really crummy mood.&nbsp; Maybe next year.</li><li>Thankfully, yesterday was a much more enjoyable day for me. I'm still off on Mondays (for another couple of weeks, probably), but I've had appointments the past few Mondays, which makes the days off less enjoyable.&nbsp; Yesterday, I had no where to go, no rush to do anything.&nbsp; I didn't have to hurry to get my notes off to the Equity, so I slept in, I lingered over coffee, I got laundry done, I crocheted, I read, and I napped.&nbsp; Late afternoon, I made a pot of chili and homemade garlic cheddar biscuits.&nbsp; I did slip out for an hour or so in the evening, because our minister was hosting his first "Spirit Cafe" evening, but it was just next door, and it was just to have some tea and chat.&nbsp; I didn't even change out of my yoga pants and sweatshirt.&nbsp; A lovely day, indeed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASnaMtCqc6o/WqfgPq1iDII/AAAAAAAATLY/DR9Rf1vRjRAs4_yLHDCx9Q70OEdzgZQdgCLcBGAs/s1600/chili%2Band%2Bbiscuits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ASnaMtCqc6o/WqfgPq1iDII/AAAAAAAATLY/DR9Rf1vRjRAs4_yLHDCx9Q70OEdzgZQdgCLcBGAs/s400/chili%2Band%2Bbiscuits.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></li><li>So, you know how I've been saying for awhile that I'm intrigued by the book I'm reading? Christine by Stephen King.&nbsp; Now, I'm a Stephen King fan, so I'm not surprised that I'm enjoying the book.&nbsp; He has literally made the characters come alive, and I feel like I know them well.&nbsp; I love his writing style, and the voice comes through so clearly.&nbsp; But all along, I've been saying that I don't see how he's going to scare me with a book about a <i>car</i>.&nbsp; Well... I think it might be happening.&nbsp; I'm more than half way through now, and the "scary incidents" are starting to happen.&nbsp; I'm finding it difficult to put it down now, and yet a little nervous to continue on!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wivs06U8byQ/WqffWGube-I/AAAAAAAATLI/ZIddtlcNITghkH6o9ntkbgcHpPpBPm8yACLcBGAs/s1600/StephenKing-Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="197" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wivs06U8byQ/WqffWGube-I/AAAAAAAATLI/ZIddtlcNITghkH6o9ntkbgcHpPpBPm8yACLcBGAs/s1600/StephenKing-Christine.jpg" /></a></div></li><li>Update on crocheting:&nbsp; I was SUPER proud of myself this weekend!&nbsp; I had bought a few balls of special yarn to make dish clothes with the intent of putting them in the Basket O' Irish Fun that we will raffle off at our church Irish Tea on Saturday.&nbsp; I googled some patterns, but I was struggling to figure them out.&nbsp; Then I realized on the label of one of the balls of yarn was a pattern for a "Daisy Dish Cloth".&nbsp; I attempted it, and it turned out so well that I decided to make a second one!&nbsp; I was so happy with how they turned out!!&nbsp; I'm now working on my second giant granny square blanket.&nbsp; I thought I had figured out why the first one turned out crooked, but this one is turning out crooked too.&nbsp; No idea what's up with that, but oh well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o5N1iH6bx8/WqfgAIC2jCI/AAAAAAAATLQ/8V2iOCtnqTUVuH-3fdmz-nnrcKxEn4RyQCLcBGAs/s1600/daisy%2Bdisch%2Bcloths.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4o5N1iH6bx8/WqfgAIC2jCI/AAAAAAAATLQ/8V2iOCtnqTUVuH-3fdmz-nnrcKxEn4RyQCLcBGAs/s400/daisy%2Bdisch%2Bcloths.png" width="300" /></a></div></li><li>One of my first thoughts this morning was "What am I going to make for supper tonight?"&nbsp; Nothing sounded good.&nbsp; A very odd conundrum for a food lover like me.&nbsp; So I went to google.&nbsp; Since it's a snowy day, I went with comfort food and looked up mac &amp; cheese recipes.&nbsp; But I didn't want my same ol, same ol.&nbsp; I landed upon the Pioneer Woman's <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/fancy-macaroni/" target="_blank">Fancy Macaroni</a> recipe.&nbsp; I have almost everything I need (my cheeses are more plain than hers, but I'm thinking that will be OK - I have mozza, old cheddar, goat cheese crumbles, and parmesan - and I'll have to stop at the store to get milk and half-and-half since I'm almost out, but otherwise I'm good.)&nbsp; I literally can't wait to get home and make it!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AReZ44Ghb_I/WqfgqIEVSOI/AAAAAAAATLk/-FaU2e4uxvgWJ63ESXFeI9PF49-110diwCLcBGAs/s1600/fancy%2Bmacaroni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AReZ44Ghb_I/WqfgqIEVSOI/AAAAAAAATLk/-FaU2e4uxvgWJ63ESXFeI9PF49-110diwCLcBGAs/s400/fancy%2Bmacaroni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">What are you up to on this snowy Tuesday??</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-42172319848897974852018-03-07T09:10:00.000-05:002018-03-07T09:10:33.929-05:00Wednesday LovesHey folks!&nbsp; Just popping in to share some of what I'm loving this Wednesday!<div><ul><li>It's SNOWING!! :) :) :)&nbsp; Oh, I know, I'm in the minority here, but spring has sprung a little too early for my liking.&nbsp; It's felt like spring since mid-February.&nbsp; And I know most people are saying, "UGH!&nbsp; MORE SNOW?!?!"&nbsp; But like, seriously, dudes, it's not like we had any massive dumpings or storms this year.&nbsp; I got gypped!&nbsp; I need a little more snow in my life!!</li><li>After the Olympics were over, and I was terribly blue about it, I ordered a book that Tessa Virtue &amp; Scott Moir put out way back in 2010 following their first gold medal at the Games.&nbsp; I also ordered Moulin Rouge on DVD, because Scott &amp; Tessa skated to music from the movie in their free dance.&nbsp; (I saw the movie years ago, and I even bought the soundtrack at the time, but I don't have the movie and it's not on Netflix!)&nbsp; Both items said "Usually ships within 1-2 months".&nbsp; I made the impulse purchase while thinking, <i>I'll probably be over them by the time I get it.&nbsp; </i>But it arrived sooner than expected!&nbsp; And I'm NOT over them yet!&nbsp; Woo Hoo! I'm already anticipating my Moulin Rouge movie night on Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSj1PozIvpA/Wp_w08IE6eI/AAAAAAAATKs/OASCenzC43QX8BHfQh9-e-JG8FNJH7vJgCLcBGAs/s1600/tess%2Band%2Bscott%2Bbook%2Band%2Bmovie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSj1PozIvpA/Wp_w08IE6eI/AAAAAAAATKs/OASCenzC43QX8BHfQh9-e-JG8FNJH7vJgCLcBGAs/s400/tess%2Band%2Bscott%2Bbook%2Band%2Bmovie.png" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I'm loving that I finished my latest crochet project last night.&nbsp; My niece Danica went through my "Learn to Crochet" book a few weeks ago and picked out a cushion that was covered in granny squares and said, "Jill, make me this!&nbsp; I want this!"&nbsp; I think she only picked it because she liked the colours - LOL! - but I decided, sure, why not.&nbsp; It was easy enough for a beginner like me.&nbsp; So I bought the yarn and cushion, made up the granny squares, seamed them together, and covered the cushion last night, just in time to deliver it to her at my mom's, as Danica had just arrived to spend a few days of March Break there.&nbsp; She LOVED it!!&nbsp; I was actually surprised just HOW much she loved it.&nbsp; Even this morning, when I popped in before work for breakfast, she told me again how much she loved it.&nbsp; It's a win!</li><li>I'm also loving the prospect of my next project... I'm going to do a repeat of that granny square blanket I made last time, but in different colours.&nbsp; I think I've figured out why the first one turned out so crooked - I was missing a little step -&nbsp; so I'm interested to see if I can straighten it out.</li><li>I'm really quite enjoying my book right now.&nbsp; As I mentioned last week, I'm reading "Christine" by Stephen King, and I was very skeptical of it.&nbsp; I couldn't see myself enjoying a scary story about a car, and when it arrived in the mail and I saw how HUGE the book was, I was daunted.&nbsp; But it's going along really well, and I'm very intrigued.&nbsp; I'm still only about a third of the way through, but if you could see the size of this book, you'd know that a third of it in just a week is an accomplishment haha!</li><li>SO loving that my heartburn has become a thing of the past (knock on wood).&nbsp; I don't know if it's because I'm no longer snacking at night (thank you Lent!) or because I've been taking that apple cider vinegar drink every day, but it's so nice to not have it anymore.&nbsp; It had really become a thorn in my side over recent months.</li><li>I'm excited for the weekend!&nbsp; The Lions Club is hosting their annual curling bonspiel on Saturday, and it's always lots of fun.&nbsp; I so enjoy that day at the curling rink.&nbsp; Also, St. Pat's festivities are starting this weekend in our little town, with a party at the Legion on Saturday night and the big bash at Gavan's on Sunday... I'm not sure yet how much of it I'll be taking in, but hopefully I'll hit some of it!</li><li>I love that it's March Break.&nbsp; I know there's no break for me, and unfortunately this year the days the kids are at my mom's are work days for me, but just getting to go up there in the evening for supper and to hang out with them brings me joy.</li></ul><div>What are YOU loving this Wednesday??</div></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-4277979836611053532018-03-01T12:06:00.000-05:002018-03-01T12:06:29.971-05:00March: Currently...Happy March 1st, friends!&nbsp;<br /><br />I don't know how this happens.&nbsp; January creeps by like a snail, and then suddenly, BOOM - February? What February??&nbsp; The month blows by SO fast, and just like that, it's March!<br /><br />I'm on Day 2 of one of my nagging, annoying, dull headaches.&nbsp; I thought I'd got rid of it last night, but I woke up with it again this morning.&nbsp; Still, I'd like to mark the start of the new month by sharing what's up with me these days.<br /><br />Here's what's going on Currently...<br /><br /><b>Listening to... </b>Still really digging JT's new Man Of The Woods album.&nbsp; Been listening to it <i>a lot</i>.&nbsp; Other recent downloads that I'm loving are:&nbsp; Meant To Be by Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line, Alfie's Song (Not So Typical Love Song) by Bleachers, Parallel Line by Keith Urban, The Good Side by Troye Sivan, Never Be the Same by Camila Cabello.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Eating.... </b>nothing special.&nbsp; I don't know why, but lately I just seem to want sandwiches. lol&nbsp; Last week, I made a bunch of egg salad, and I'm thinking this weekend of whipping up some of my Aunt Mona's famous cream cheese and chicken sandwich filling.&nbsp; I can tell you what I'm <i>not </i>eating, and that's chips.&nbsp; Craving them like crazy, but so far, staying true to my Lenten promise to give them up.&nbsp; Which is too bad, because all these sandwiches sure would go good with a side of chips... *sigh*<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kth09B2kc/WpgvTeuaVYI/AAAAAAAATJs/-WbTcv2w-McXTx1fVDnm1buqkYyCZqvBgCLcBGAs/s1600/chicken-salad-sandwich--articleLarge-v3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="600" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_kth09B2kc/WpgvTeuaVYI/AAAAAAAATJs/-WbTcv2w-McXTx1fVDnm1buqkYyCZqvBgCLcBGAs/s320/chicken-salad-sandwich--articleLarge-v3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Drinking...&nbsp; </b>I gave up chips, but maybe I should've given up Diet Pepsi.&nbsp; Can't seem to get enough of it lately.&nbsp; Also, a friend of mine was recently telling me she started drinking apple cider vinegar to see if it would help with her weight loss, and instead noticed she hadn't had heartburn since she started taking it.&nbsp; I've been battling wicked heartburn off and on for a few months, so I decided to give it a try.&nbsp; I put two teaspoons in a mug filled with hot water and add a spoonful of honey.&nbsp; It isn't delicious - in fact, it's kind of awful -&nbsp; but I have noticed a significant improvement in the heartburn issues.&nbsp; Could also be the chips that were causing it.&nbsp; Who knows.&nbsp; But I'm feeling much better in that department, so I'm going to keep drinking it I guess.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vS9YcFFUKeY/Wpgvfz5YbxI/AAAAAAAATJw/i35bEL-r7HYq19S_UPVwp5puNYKy7EP2wCLcBGAs/s1600/hot%2Bdrink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="236" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vS9YcFFUKeY/Wpgvfz5YbxI/AAAAAAAATJw/i35bEL-r7HYq19S_UPVwp5puNYKy7EP2wCLcBGAs/s1600/hot%2Bdrink.jpg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Feeling... </b>Like I said at the start, kinda feeling crappy today.&nbsp; I've been headache-less for quite a while, so I guess I was due.&nbsp; But other than that, I'm feeling pretty good these days.&nbsp; Heart palps are still an issue, but I'm relieved to see an improvement in the heartburn, and also I think giving up chips has made me feel better overall.&nbsp; I seem to have more energy, more get-up-and-go. I&nbsp; think the nightly intake of grease was effecting me in ways I didn't even realize.&nbsp;<br /><b><br /></b><b>Reading... </b>Last weekend, I finished The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld and also read The Little Book of Hygge, so I have now moved on to Christine by Stephen King.&nbsp; It's a long way off yet, but our book club is doing something new this year, and each member has to read and review a bestseller from their birth year.&nbsp; The list for 1983 was kind of crappy, but I chose Christine, and so far, I'm really liking it.&nbsp; I'm still not sure how King is going to scare the bejesus out of me with a story about a <i>car</i>, but I'm intrigued.&nbsp; The book is gigantic and had me intimidated at first, yet the storytelling flows, the voice of the narrator really comes to life, and I'm already invested in the characters.&nbsp; I should've known.&nbsp; I've always like Stephen King books.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GTAvlKxgsI/Wpgv6lzqw-I/AAAAAAAATJ4/I_sZiqDuzmUxn3NgNf5UIbF8b9jgI5FygCLcBGAs/s1600/StephenKing-Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GTAvlKxgsI/Wpgv6lzqw-I/AAAAAAAATJ4/I_sZiqDuzmUxn3NgNf5UIbF8b9jgI5FygCLcBGAs/s1600/StephenKing-Christine.jpg" /></a></div><br /><b>Watching... </b>Not much this week, actually!&nbsp; Old Youtube videos of Scott &amp; Tessa (as I mentioned yesterday, the obsession is real), and whatever is on at night (it's been a good week for The Voice and Survivor to kick off).&nbsp; When I'm crocheting, I like to have something on that I don't really have to focus too hard on.&nbsp; House of Cards requires too much attention.&nbsp; It's strange not to go home at night and dive into Netflix.&nbsp; I haven't watched so much "regular TV" in a really long time.&nbsp;<br /><b><br /></b><b>Wanting.... </b>Nothing really, right now.&nbsp; I want it to snow more.&nbsp; It's felt like spring for 2 weeks now, and it's too soon.&nbsp; And of course, I want chips, but I'm trying not to give them much thought.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Needing...&nbsp; </b>Again, not much.&nbsp; That's kind of a good feeling, isn't it?&nbsp; Not have any big dire needs?&nbsp; I need to buy a bin to store my growing collection of yarn.&nbsp; That is <i>literally</i>&nbsp;the only thing I can think of at the moment.<br /><b><br /></b><b>Missing...&nbsp; </b>The Olympics.&nbsp; I've definitely been going through a post-Olympics slump.&nbsp; An Olympics hangover, if you will.&nbsp; I had gotten so into the routine of sitting down in the evenings and getting into whatever events were on TV.&nbsp; I really do miss that.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvqs7F-3L2Q/WpgymOtnd5I/AAAAAAAATKI/cQS-tlgilJYKzPQSkealy1Cb3EZjU2H2wCLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="630" height="227" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvqs7F-3L2Q/WpgymOtnd5I/AAAAAAAATKI/cQS-tlgilJYKzPQSkealy1Cb3EZjU2H2wCLcBGAs/s320/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><b>Enjoying... </b>The snuggles I got with Lainey this morning.&nbsp; I see the baby often, but I hadn't got a good cuddle in with her in at least a week.&nbsp; I mean, she's two weeks old, so I guess it's not that bad. HA!&nbsp; But I enjoyed my extended time with her in my arms this morning.&nbsp; Baby office visits are the best.&nbsp; Oh, and crocheting.&nbsp; I'm enjoying crocheting.&nbsp; I'm not sure when it happened, but I have come to look forward to it and I find it very relaxing.&nbsp;<br /><br />Hope you're all enjoying this beautiful, sunny day!! :)Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-847984679306956212018-02-28T10:09:00.002-05:002018-02-28T10:11:53.143-05:00The Virtue-Moir EffectYou know, it's been a while since I've had a good <i>crush</i>.<br /><br />All my life, for as long as I can remember, I've been the girl who gets "obsessed".&nbsp; I fall in love with an actor or a singer or a band or an athlete, I research the crap out of them, I watch Youtube videos, read articles, and follow them relentlessly.&nbsp; (from a distance.&nbsp; I'm not a creepy stalker.&nbsp; Oh, wait, I did do that once, but not intentionally LOL) - I get completely infatuated.&nbsp; Notables from the past:&nbsp; Tom Cruise.&nbsp; Chris O'Donnell.&nbsp; Wade Redden.&nbsp; The Tragically Hip.&nbsp; Jimmy Fallon.&nbsp; Michael Scofield from Prison Break.&nbsp; Just to name a few.<br /><br />But honestly, aside from going back through a Michael Scofield phase again about a year ago when I watched Prison Break for the second time, I haven't had a good celeb crush in a looong time.<br /><br />I wasn't looking at the Olympics as a possible stage for a new crush to enter my life, either.&nbsp; I mean, I <i>used to.&nbsp; </i>I remember in 2010 I even had my own "Olympic Hall of Hot Men" lol.&nbsp; But as I get older, and the athletes get younger, the crushes tend to fizzle out.&nbsp; When you're old enough to have been their babysitter, the appeal kind of dies down.&nbsp; I was excited to watch this year's Winter Olympics from PyeongChang, but I didn't anticipate falling in love.<br /><br />And then came Scott Moir.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rigH7btJ6Ag/Wpa-8QyMelI/AAAAAAAATH0/oB708RmdiZcSiNaASWvR1HpUP4KrkUCnACLcBGAs/s1600/Scott%2BMoir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rigH7btJ6Ag/Wpa-8QyMelI/AAAAAAAATH0/oB708RmdiZcSiNaASWvR1HpUP4KrkUCnACLcBGAs/s400/Scott%2BMoir.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Oh my gosh, you guys.&nbsp; I am SO in love with Scott Moir.<br /><br />I'm not sure how I got into the figure skating this year.&nbsp; I honestly don't think I've been "into" figure skating since the Jamie Sale/David Pelletier days.&nbsp; (Really felt old when I realized that was 16 years ago. eek!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1v41KSDgw/Wpa_QtgARVI/AAAAAAAATH4/LpQ-j61fgh4_GZGim2uAqTFOnilLoN8TwCLcBGAs/s1600/sale_pelletier13-v6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="423" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1v41KSDgw/Wpa_QtgARVI/AAAAAAAATH4/LpQ-j61fgh4_GZGim2uAqTFOnilLoN8TwCLcBGAs/s320/sale_pelletier13-v6.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />I guess the Team Skating events happened to be on TV early in the Games, and I just watched whatever was on.&nbsp; I grew to really love that part of the evening, when I could settle down on the couch with my crocheting and tune into the Olympics, which usually got rolling around 7-7:30 at night.<br /><br />Of course, the rest of the country already knew Scott Moir &amp; Tessa Virtue quite well.&nbsp; They were the flag bearers for our country at the Opening Ceremonies, the cream of the crop in ice dancing and this country's perennial sweethearts.&nbsp; Somehow, though, I had missed the Virtue-Moir boat.&nbsp; I <i>vaguely </i>remember them in Sochi.&nbsp; I had completely forgotten they won gold in Vancouver.&nbsp; While the rest of the world had previously gone ga-ga for this pair, I had somehow kept them at a distance.&nbsp; Didn't know them.&nbsp; Didn't care to know them.&nbsp; Just ice dancers.&nbsp; Whatever.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CFMLCJnTSo/Wpa_ig-flZI/AAAAAAAATIA/qjV5tUiFR1E8MPJx1ZTZAn9UOO3vQFcSgCLcBGAs/s1600/2010tessascottGOLD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CFMLCJnTSo/Wpa_ig-flZI/AAAAAAAATIA/qjV5tUiFR1E8MPJx1ZTZAn9UOO3vQFcSgCLcBGAs/s400/2010tessascottGOLD.jpeg" width="278" /></a></div><br />But I was re-introduced to them very early on in PyeongChang, and I finally caught the bug.&nbsp; I got bit hard.&nbsp; I was, at long last, on board the Virtue-Moir Train and there was NO getting off!!&nbsp; This pair... they captured my heart.&nbsp; They were easily my highlight of the 2018 Games, and I literally go back and watch their performances on Youtube pretty much every day.&nbsp; They were so good. SO GOOD.&nbsp; That Moulin Rouge routine?&nbsp; UGH.&nbsp; Melt my frigging damn heart!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hmjsZLyn4aI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hmjsZLyn4aI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />And my lord, ladies, don't we all want a guy who looks at us the way Scott Moir looks at Tessa?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPRbU3_PCB4/WpbAXwZsi_I/AAAAAAAATIQ/fu2NPmg9duc6vF2girnHrwfDjd2U7D5kQCLcBGAs/s1600/INLINE_TessaScott-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="818" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPRbU3_PCB4/WpbAXwZsi_I/AAAAAAAATIQ/fu2NPmg9duc6vF2girnHrwfDjd2U7D5kQCLcBGAs/s400/INLINE_TessaScott-1.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5qDfJ11jFw/WpbAlKwyLQI/AAAAAAAATIU/48gIcKfflXgF-LOtinDHz_eZsRricaURQCLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5qDfJ11jFw/WpbAlKwyLQI/AAAAAAAATIU/48gIcKfflXgF-LOtinDHz_eZsRricaURQCLcBGAs/s400/scott%2Band%2Btessa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My crush on Scott isn't entirely inappropriate, either, because they were the "old pros" at these Games.&nbsp; They were just little babies when they won Gold in Vancouver in 2010 - Scott was 22 and Tessa 20.&nbsp; Now, he's 30 and she's 28.&nbsp; So he's still a <i>tad</i>&nbsp;young for me, but he's at least in my wheelhouse.&nbsp; Put it this way, it wasn't creepy for me to fall in love with him.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbYxXKBvEFc/WpbA7sT3OrI/AAAAAAAATIc/TB0kUd53SiM25F6-Ob8ECotGJFB2UiIeQCLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2Bflag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="630" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EbYxXKBvEFc/WpbA7sT3OrI/AAAAAAAATIc/TB0kUd53SiM25F6-Ob8ECotGJFB2UiIeQCLcBGAs/s400/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2Bflag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Since their performances at this year's Games, I have seriously gone down the Scott &amp; Tessa rabbit hole.&nbsp; I mean, I have TWENTY YEARS of Scott &amp; Tessa to catch up on!!&nbsp; I'm so sad that I have missed out on their journey up until now.&nbsp; I mean, they're probably at the end of it now - ready to retire &amp; sail off into the sunset.&nbsp; And I missed almost ALL of it!!&nbsp; So I've been busy digging into the Scott &amp; Tessa archives, watching old skates, old interviews... they even had a TV show in 2014 on the W Network!!&nbsp; All of this Scott &amp; Tessa time that I now have to soak up!!&nbsp; Dudes... I'm even writing Scott &amp; Tessa fan fiction.&nbsp; It is THAT serious.<br /><br />So, yes, I think Scott is adorable, and charming, and funny, and sexy as all hell.&nbsp; I don't know what it is about a manly figure skater, but they do it for me.&nbsp; That's why I fell so hard for David Pelletier.&nbsp; LOOKED like he could be a hockey player.&nbsp; And yet here he was on figure skates, lifting Jaime up in the air, not wearing frilly, foofy costumes, being all macho about it.&nbsp; And Scott's much the same for me.&nbsp; Maybe even better.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c71p0_lGC1E/WpbBZPxRQoI/AAAAAAAATIo/Dwf1nhf2NyQHm-UHkQj_pRnjf03D7Tu9QCLcBGAs/s1600/sale_pelletier_2002fs_bylionelcironneau_apphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="450" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c71p0_lGC1E/WpbBZPxRQoI/AAAAAAAATIo/Dwf1nhf2NyQHm-UHkQj_pRnjf03D7Tu9QCLcBGAs/s320/sale_pelletier_2002fs_bylionelcironneau_apphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8N0aQEUm1f4/WpbCzhPdK9I/AAAAAAAATI0/XFMr56uZ7pwKwcX31Rt44A22ezfziQ7eQCLcBGAs/s1600/tessa-virtue-scott-moir-olympics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1043" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8N0aQEUm1f4/WpbCzhPdK9I/AAAAAAAATI0/XFMr56uZ7pwKwcX31Rt44A22ezfziQ7eQCLcBGAs/s400/tessa-virtue-scott-moir-olympics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Here's the thing:&nbsp; As much as I LOVE Scott, I don't even want him for myself.&nbsp; <i>I want him to be with Tessa</i>.&nbsp; These kids have craaaaazy chemistry.&nbsp; They look at each other with such longing and desire.&nbsp; The way they move together, the way they touch each other, the way they look at each other... oh my God, it's ridiculously romantic.&nbsp; I know that skating together since they were little kids plays a part in it - they know each other so well - but that kind of chemistry?!&nbsp; There's GOT to be something more going on there, you can't just "act" that.&nbsp; And those long, close embraces they do before they go on the ice?&nbsp; To sync their breathing?&nbsp; Gives me shivers just thinking about it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oKfj6LrG0/WpbDVEDkqhI/AAAAAAAATI8/OpWnBIhwIIslo9a5Zl5C2YXVwjHHhvcSgCLcBGAs/s1600/virtue%2Bmoir.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="580" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9oKfj6LrG0/WpbDVEDkqhI/AAAAAAAATI8/OpWnBIhwIIslo9a5Zl5C2YXVwjHHhvcSgCLcBGAs/s320/virtue%2Bmoir.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />Of course, since I'm so new to the Scott &amp; Tessa game, I am only just discovering that I am not alone in these sentiments.&nbsp; The internet is full of news stories and articles, basically <i>pleading </i>with them to get together.&nbsp; It seems the whole <i>world</i>&nbsp;wants Virtue &amp; Moir to just admit it already, <i>they're in love</i>.&nbsp; They insist they are not, at least not on a romantic level.&nbsp; And they've been insisting it for a long time.&nbsp; Best friends, business partners, a relationship that is hard to explain... more than boyfriend/girlfriend, more than brother/sister...<br /><br />Oh, COME ON, Scott &amp; Tessa!&nbsp; Just admit it already!!&nbsp; YOU ARE IN LOVE!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW7E1puefJY/WpbFenDVfXI/AAAAAAAATJM/7vrR5wp1OjcO0WCJ2I4K39m6dHn62qPCwCLcBGAs/s1600/virtue-and-moir-together-at-last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW7E1puefJY/WpbFenDVfXI/AAAAAAAATJM/7vrR5wp1OjcO0WCJ2I4K39m6dHn62qPCwCLcBGAs/s400/virtue-and-moir-together-at-last.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxHJxcZO7EU/WpbFcNQM9CI/AAAAAAAATJI/XQ9BkELuehMy7AHuQSNDdUAKstIkBCyaACLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="710" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxHJxcZO7EU/WpbFcNQM9CI/AAAAAAAATJI/XQ9BkELuehMy7AHuQSNDdUAKstIkBCyaACLcBGAs/s400/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I know they're sick of being asked about it.&nbsp; They usually just laugh it off or brush it off when they're asked, but towards the end of their run in PyeongChang, they were actually starting to show a little annoyance. Scott even told one interviewer that being asked about a possible romance cheapens the deep relationship they have.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auO2TmiALe4/WpbFwqHWPCI/AAAAAAAATJQ/KqelAZSvay4nuOaZll4HupJwTt3GGBkXwCLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auO2TmiALe4/WpbFwqHWPCI/AAAAAAAATJQ/KqelAZSvay4nuOaZll4HupJwTt3GGBkXwCLcBGAs/s400/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Well, maybe it does.&nbsp; But I honestly don't even care.&nbsp; It's fun to daydream about.&nbsp; It's fun to write about.&nbsp; And I have so enjoyed going back through all their footage, watching them perform, watching them feed off of each other, watching them answer the questions, just watching them be Scott &amp; Tessa.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzZ-ZVvy-gc/WpbF8GB0xJI/AAAAAAAATJU/wevpXzrkNxM3AyMnY7ntDLCxh2f6U67tgCLcBGAs/s1600/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="540" height="148" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzZ-ZVvy-gc/WpbF8GB0xJI/AAAAAAAATJU/wevpXzrkNxM3AyMnY7ntDLCxh2f6U67tgCLcBGAs/s320/scott%2Band%2Btessa%2B4.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />Oh, and they ended the Olympics with their exhibition skate at the Gala by skating to the Tragically Hip's "Long Time Running".&nbsp; My favourite Olympians, skating to one of my favourite songs... the icing on the cake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5EKmZA5COdM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5EKmZA5COdM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />It was well worth the wait.<br /><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-16648725725388010232018-02-14T09:55:00.002-05:002018-02-14T09:55:56.404-05:00Loves on Love DayEveryone knows this is not exactly my favourite day of the year.&nbsp; But, as I read somewhere this morning:&nbsp; "Why be depressed if you're single on Valentine's Day?&nbsp; You're single every other day of the year, too."&nbsp; Ha.&nbsp;<br /><br />But, in an effort to NOT be a total Debbie Downer today, I have decided to compile a list of things I'm LOVING right now!&nbsp; Coincidentally, it's What I'm Loving Wednesday.&nbsp; How convenient.<br /><br />I'm loving that I'm finally catching on to this crocheting thing!&nbsp; Hey, if I'm going to be an old maid, might as well act the part, right?&nbsp; My first few attempts were just little squares to practice the stitches, and then I attempted to make a beanie until my "practice ball of yarn" ran out.&nbsp; I tore it out and practiced making a granny square for a while.&nbsp; Then, last week, I bought a bunch of yarn and have been working on a giant granny square throw.&nbsp; So far, it's coming along quite nicely, and I'm starting to enjoy the process rather than feel deep frustration over it.&nbsp; Whoda thunk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWyxL7lj69o/WoRM9TwVqmI/AAAAAAAATHI/oSt9pGqo8FAngCsSmGZgUvOllH1p41SLgCLcBGAs/s1600/granny%2Bsquare%2Bblanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="430" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CWyxL7lj69o/WoRM9TwVqmI/AAAAAAAATHI/oSt9pGqo8FAngCsSmGZgUvOllH1p41SLgCLcBGAs/s320/granny%2Bsquare%2Bblanket.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />I'm LOVING the Olympics!&nbsp; So much!!&nbsp; Canada has gotten off to a great start - I believe their best start ever at the Games - and I'm just SO enjoying watching our athletes compete in sports we normally don't get to see much of.&nbsp; I loved watching John Morris &amp; Kaitlyn Lawes in the Mixed Doubles Curling (not <i>only</i>&nbsp;because John is hot); I got such a thrill watching the Slopestyle Snowboarding events; the Team Figure Skating competitions were also fun to watch; and of course, one of the best moments thus far was watching Mikael Kingsbury officially become the King of the Moguls.&nbsp; Can't wait for all that's still to come!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbWqBjyJ3-Y/WoRNqHvQS5I/AAAAAAAATHQ/5o4VwnaRwhMziPR4yQkVyW4hJppw5E4hgCLcBGAs/s1600/olympics%2Bjohn%2Band%2Bkaitlyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbWqBjyJ3-Y/WoRNqHvQS5I/AAAAAAAATHQ/5o4VwnaRwhMziPR4yQkVyW4hJppw5E4hgCLcBGAs/s400/olympics%2Bjohn%2Band%2Bkaitlyn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KaorvQciQ/WoRNrlQE4WI/AAAAAAAATHU/lcj0JCRZB4cdlA2eMAC-SFi7lFjRYazDQCLcBGAs/s1600/olympics%2B2018%2Bmikael%2Bkingsbury.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="545" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KaorvQciQ/WoRNrlQE4WI/AAAAAAAATHU/lcj0JCRZB4cdlA2eMAC-SFi7lFjRYazDQCLcBGAs/s400/olympics%2B2018%2Bmikael%2Bkingsbury.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I love that I'm on a bit of a roll with reading.&nbsp; I seem to go through phases when it comes to books; sometimes I struggle, sometimes I sail through them.&nbsp; Right now, I'm sailing.&nbsp; I finished all of the "half-finished" books that were on my night stand, then I blew through They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars (our next book club book), and last night I started the book club book that's coming AFTER that one, The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld.&nbsp; Last year, I seemed to get caught not able to finish books in time for book club, so I'm making sure I'm well ahead of the game this year!&nbsp; It's the time of year when I have more time to read, so might as well take advantage of it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqrScwMqVug/WoRN4PbmmwI/AAAAAAAATHY/tE4dcHQ7oUcNaHRoKYK6D34BsD5OyDjVwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bchild%2Bfinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gqrScwMqVug/WoRN4PbmmwI/AAAAAAAATHY/tE4dcHQ7oUcNaHRoKYK6D34BsD5OyDjVwCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Bchild%2Bfinder.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />Loving some fun plans that are taking shape for this coming weekend!&nbsp; Hibernation mode means that I haven't strayed too far since Christmas.&nbsp; I mean, I go to curling, and to church, and I've had a few little outings to Walmart and for groceries and to snowshoe... but for the most part, I've just been at home in my cozy little hole.&nbsp; I love that, but I also miss seeing people and doing things, so I'm glad this weekend has some fun in store!<br /><br />I'm loving that Lent starts today, and I've actually got a couple of Lenten promises that I've made this year!&nbsp; First off, I'm giving up chips.&nbsp; (This includes nacho chips, Doritos and Cheesies.&nbsp; Does not include pretzels and regular popcorn.)&nbsp; Chips are one of my very big weaknesses, and no matter how many times I say I'm going to eat healthy, the chips get in my way.&nbsp; Can't stop eating them.&nbsp; But when it comes to Lent, I seem to able to have more control of myself.&nbsp; So I'm saying "See Ya" to chips for 40 days.&nbsp; I have also decided to do the closet-cleaning Lent challenge.&nbsp; Cleaning out my closet was the winter job I was dreading the most, but I think it will be more manageable if I do it this way.&nbsp; Every day, I will remove something from my closet or drawers that doesn't fit/I never wear and put it in a garbage bag.&nbsp; At the end of Lent, I should have a bag full of 40 items of clothing to donate to the Family Centre, and my closet should be in much better shape.&nbsp; Win-win.&nbsp; And of course, I will be putting some coins in the Lenten coin boxes handed out at church each day, to raise money for&nbsp; Missions &amp; Services for our church, as I always do.<br /><br />And last but certainly not least, I'm loving that there's a new little one in my life!&nbsp; There's been a baby boom in my group of friends in recent months, so I've been getting lots of baby snuggles in.&nbsp; This past weekend, little Lainey joined the club!&nbsp; Since she's just across the road from the office, it makes it reallllly easy (and tempting) to sneak over for a snuggle. ;)&nbsp; Love her to bits!! xo<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_09qFtu01XI/WoRLgGkhOvI/AAAAAAAATG8/Cz9yLJ59D-Yje_13aP47Ey3YnbTVjfnlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Lainey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_09qFtu01XI/WoRLgGkhOvI/AAAAAAAATG8/Cz9yLJ59D-Yje_13aP47Ey3YnbTVjfnlgCLcBGAs/s400/Lainey.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Love Day, ya love bugs.&nbsp;</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-22480910588855112142018-02-06T14:06:00.001-05:002018-02-06T14:06:18.797-05:00Productive & Fun Weekend In the BooksHappy Tuesday, friends!<br /><br />My first weekend in February was a good one.&nbsp; I got a lot of stuff checked off the "To Do List" and had some fun, too!<br /><br />Friday was a quiet day at home.&nbsp; I had woken up with a headache (those always aggravate me), so I just lay low for most of the day.&nbsp; I worked on a puzzle, continued reading "The Nightingale", watched a whole bunch of episodes of House of Cards, and napped.&nbsp; Oh, and I also downloaded the new Justin Timberlake album on Friday morning, and listened to it A LOT over the weekend.&nbsp; I absolutely LOVE it!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/baj6llvgpWA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/baj6llvgpWA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />In the evening, Lindsay picked me up and we headed out to our first book club meeting of 2018.&nbsp; This month's book was "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.&nbsp; I was the leader on this discussion, and honestly, I don't even think we needed a leader or questions.&nbsp; This book generated BIG discussion and analysis all on its own.&nbsp; It was nice to hang with the ladies, eat yummy snacks, and enjoy their company and conversation.&nbsp; It's the time of year when cabin fever is starting to seep in a bit (despite my absolute love of hibernation), so it was nice to get out and have some girl talk.<br /><br />Saturday morning, I again woke up with a headache, but it eased off fairly quickly, thank goodness.&nbsp; I enjoyed a lazy morning, thew my bedding into the laundry, made pancakes, and cozied up with an extra cup of coffee.&nbsp; I didn't get my butt moving until mid-morning, and just as I was finishing making the bed, my mom called to see if I'd watch my niece while she ran my sister up to the hospital.&nbsp; After being sick and missing work most of last week, they had decided she'd better get checked out just in case, but was too weak to drive herself up there, and Chris &amp; Caden were going to a hockey tournament.&nbsp; So Mom went to get her, and I offered to keep Dan for the night.&nbsp; After being cooped up with a sick mommy for a week I figured she'd need a fun girls night with Auntie.&nbsp; And that's what we did!&nbsp; We watched old movies from when I was a kid (Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and The Cutting Edge), she coloured while I worked on my crocheting (I got the start of a beanie made!&nbsp; Ran out of my practice yarn, but it was nice to see something actually taking shape and looking like it was supposed to look!), we ate pizza and cheesies and just hunkered right down.&nbsp; It was fun!&nbsp; (And for the record - sister was sent home with diagnosis of a bad virus, so nothing too serious!)<br /><br />Sunday was church, and then out for brunch before heading to Mom's to spend the rest of the day.&nbsp; We watched the Sens game, I finished "The Nightingale" (woo hoo!&nbsp; all of my half-finished books are now finished!!), and then got ready for our "Superbowl Party".&nbsp; Which is our silly reason for having "snacks for supper", just the two of us.&nbsp; Mom had zero interest in watching the game, so we just munched on pumpernickel &amp; spinach dip, nachos, mini pizzas, and Sun Chips for supper.&nbsp; Then I went home and turned the game on.&nbsp; Was I actually <i>into </i>the game?&nbsp; No, not really, other than I had decided I wanted the Eagles to win. (Brady's hot, but he's won enough.&nbsp; Someone else's turn.)&nbsp; I was really just waiting for the Halftime Show. And it did not disappoint!!&nbsp; JT was SO good!!&nbsp; I loved it, probably my favourite Superbowl Halftime Show ever!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2z3EUY1aXdY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2z3EUY1aXdY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br />Once the JT concert was over, I fell asleep on the couch, and while I had my PVR set and ready to go, I was so glad I woke up in time for This Is Us.&nbsp; The big "What Really Happened to Jack" episode was on right after the Superbowl, and it was one for the books.&nbsp; Many of my friends say they watch the show and cry every episode, but I seem to be an exception to that rule.&nbsp; I have had tears a few times, but I don't sit and bawl through every episode.&nbsp; I love the show, I think it is done amazingly well, and I usually come out of each episode feeling a connection to one or more of the characters.&nbsp; And my gosh, who doesn't love Jack Pearson?&nbsp; But I don't cry all the time.&nbsp; Sunday night's episode was definitely a tear-jerker though.&nbsp; It got me good.&nbsp; I think it has a wide reach, because it speaks to different people on different levels.&nbsp; While Jack Pearson's death was vastly different from my own father's, I could still relate to those kids trying to deal with that loss, that grief.&nbsp; It was profound.&nbsp; And yes, I cried.&nbsp; A lot.&nbsp; Pretty much from start to finish.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhIww5pYjXE/Wnn8kqK5grI/AAAAAAAATGo/m7qgD1p3Lno5YBbvY6Nyj5X-N6s099afgCLcBGAs/s1600/this_is_us_jack_rebecca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QhIww5pYjXE/Wnn8kqK5grI/AAAAAAAATGo/m7qgD1p3Lno5YBbvY6Nyj5X-N6s099afgCLcBGAs/s400/this_is_us_jack_rebecca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />So, like many of my friends, I awoke Monday morning with a This Is Us hangover.&nbsp; Puffy eyes and a slightly achy head.&nbsp; But I had things to do, and no time to wallow in post-Jack grief!&nbsp; I got my laundry started and then tackled the next items on Jill's Crappy Winter Jobs List: cleaning out the fridge and kitchen food cupboards.&nbsp; I like to think of myself as a clean person, but man oh man, my fridge was disgusting.&nbsp; Much like the front hall closet, I'm not entirely sure the fridge was properly cleaned before we started loading it up with our food.&nbsp; I took literally every single item out of it, the shelves, the drawers, and scoured it from top to bottom.&nbsp; It was awful.&nbsp; But boy, does it sparkle now.&nbsp; It felt good to throw out all the expired salad dressings and condiments and jams, etc. that lingered in the back, taking up space and long forgotten.&nbsp; I didn't have any containers of mouldy old leftovers or anything like that, thank God, but a lot of bottles and jars with expiry dates past their prime.&nbsp; Good-bye, old crap!&nbsp; The cupboards weren't so bad, as they got well cleaned back when my kitchen was painted a few years ago, but it was nice to toss old boxes of crackers and rice and stuff like that.&nbsp; Once they were cleaned and re-organized, I was able to clean off my cluttered little table and store a lot of that in the cleared space in the cupboards.&nbsp; So I got my table set up with the little coffee and tea tray that I had mentioned in the Hygge post.&nbsp; Justin carried me through all of this cleaning and re-organizing, as I had the Man Of the Woods album on repeat.&nbsp; Have I mentioned lately that I might be in love with Justin Timberlake?&nbsp; 'Cause I'm totally in love with Justin Timberlake.<br /><br />The rest of the day was spent chilling.&nbsp; I shoveled and went for a walk,&nbsp; continued reading our next book club book "They Called Me Number One" by Bev Sellars, caught up on the PVR and watched more House of Cards on Netflix, cooked a spaghetti squash that had been rolling around in the fridge for a few weeks and made a cheesy spaghetti squash casserole.&nbsp; I konked out early on the couch... that was a pretty busy Monday for little ol' me!<br /><br />How was your weekend?Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-13131225434335944152018-02-01T11:42:00.000-05:002018-02-01T12:11:50.979-05:00The Kevin Spacey DilemmaEarlier this week, I mentioned that I have started watching House of Cards.&nbsp; My friend Lolly has been recommending it to me every time we discuss our favourite Netflix shows, and it's always been on my list to watch, but I was really hesitant to start it.&nbsp; My main reason for hesitating right now?&nbsp; <i>Kevin Spacey.</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_e4t7s_UD8/WnNC2_DZAGI/AAAAAAAATGM/Df-B47IHtvwg5dAwip27CRS_KpESsN79gCLcBGAs/s1600/kevin%2Bspacey%2Bhouse%2Bof%2Bcards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_e4t7s_UD8/WnNC2_DZAGI/AAAAAAAATGM/Df-B47IHtvwg5dAwip27CRS_KpESsN79gCLcBGAs/s400/kevin%2Bspacey%2Bhouse%2Bof%2Bcards.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><i></i><br /><div><i><br /></i></div><div>As we all know, we are now living in the "#MeToo" era. After years of abuse, silence, shame, and fear, women - especially in Hollywood - are going public with names and accusations, taking down very powerful men in the industry for sexual harassment.&nbsp; As a woman, I feel it is a very empowering and long-overdue movement, and yet at the same time, I can feel very torn over it at times.&nbsp; Names are coming up that I know, actors and comedians that I have loved, and I've struggled with accepting the fact that they aren't all wonderful men with good hearts, as I so naively thought them to be.&nbsp; I've also honestly thought it must be a very scary time to be a man in any position of power.&nbsp; Skeletons are being dug up, the wrong looks, the wrong words, the wrong touches, and so much more... no one is safe, it seems.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all seemed to start with Bill Cosby.&nbsp; Dr. Cliff Huxtable, the patriarch from The Cosby Show, the host of Kids Say the Darndest Things, the warm and hilarious and respected and esteemed actor/comedian, who, on in his late '70's, suddenly was hit by a barrage of women who came forward to accuse him of drugging them and sexually assaulting them.&nbsp; I had a hard time with it.&nbsp; I didn't want to believe it.&nbsp; And, believe it or not, for a long time, I even tried to <i>defend </i>him.&nbsp; "It's not fair to the poor lad. These women are bringing up things they say happened YEARS ago.&nbsp; How can anyone prove it?&nbsp; They just want his money.&nbsp; He's too old to be dealing with this crap!&nbsp; Everyone just leave Bill Cosby alone.&nbsp; The man is a legend!"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNG9JXuAWI/WnNDCjr-spI/AAAAAAAATGQ/4vndRD2TDG8RLWK2N1ejAJ06l4Q5DSWMACLcBGAs/s1600/bill%2Bcosby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="209" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNG9JXuAWI/WnNDCjr-spI/AAAAAAAATGQ/4vndRD2TDG8RLWK2N1ejAJ06l4Q5DSWMACLcBGAs/s1600/bill%2Bcosby.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>But it went from a couple of women to a couple of dozen women.&nbsp; The count is now up to over 60 women who have come forward with allegations.&nbsp; Surely, they can't <i>all</i>&nbsp;be telling tall tales.&nbsp; It's kind of hard to ignore.&nbsp; Kind of hard to defend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Harvey Weinstein really got the ball rolling when he was outed last fall as being one of the worst offenders. Since then, the list has only grown longer, with new names being added almost on a daily basis.&nbsp; Ben Affleck. Mario Batali.&nbsp; Matt Lauer. Louis C.K. Dustin Hoffman.&nbsp; Jeremy Piven.&nbsp; James Franco.&nbsp; Aziz Ansari.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Kevin Spacey.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Kevin Spacey</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>To me, Kevin Spacey isn't the kind of actor I got all moony over.&nbsp; I didn't have his picture pinned up in my locker as a teen, he wasn't on my list of "favourite celebs ever", and I didn't rush out to see movies that he was in.&nbsp; But I <i>did </i>tend to enjoy him as an actor, and generally liked anything I saw him in.&nbsp; Se7en and A Time to Kill, especially, rank among my favourite movies of all time.&nbsp; Anytime Jimmy Fallon has had him on The Tonight Show, I've found him to be funny and really entertaining. I liked Kevin Spacey.&nbsp; I really did.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spacey's outing was different than the others.&nbsp; Because it wasn't women who accused him of sexual harassment and assault. It was men.&nbsp; This wasn't a huge surprise, being that rumours had swirled for years about Spacey's sexual orientation, but those rumours had never been confirmed previously, and in fact on several occasions, Spacey had denied them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only after actor Anthony Rapp came forward with his story of being assaulted by Kevin Spacey years ago, when Rapp was only 14 years old, did Spacey deem it an appropriate time to address his sexual orientation.&nbsp; And it was in his so-called "apology" to Rapp that he came out as a gay man.&nbsp; This did not sit well with many.<span style="color: #ead1dc;"><span style="color: #fce5cd;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: white;"> Instead of an apology, it came off more a<span style="font-family: inherit;">s an attempt to change the subject, use his own drunkenness as an excuse, and imply a connection between being gay and sexually assaulting a child.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">Kevin Spacey has since fallen from grace.&nbsp; Big time.&nbsp; A movie he was to star in for Netflix has been shelved.&nbsp; His scenes in the movie <i>All the Money in the World </i>were cut and his role re-cast to Christopher Plummer in re-shoots after the film was already completed.&nbsp; And Netflix severed ties with him completely, removing him from the cast of House of Cards for the sixth and final season, a show he has been the star and main character of from the beginning.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">Thus, my dilemma.&nbsp; Would I enjoy the show, starting it now, knowing all of this about the man behind Frank Underwood?&nbsp; Would I be able to set aside the Kevin Spacey "ick factor" that now exists and appreciate his acting?&nbsp; Would what I know about him now taint the way I watch his show?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">As it turns out, no, it isn't bothering me in the least.&nbsp; Granted, it probably helps that Frank Underwood is kind of a slimy, sly, dark type to begin with.&nbsp; In fact, Spacey suits the role quite well, and it's almost a shame he won't be able to finish it out, because he really is good at it.&nbsp; Good at being slimy and creepy and evil.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;"><i style="background-color: #741b47;"><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;"><i style="background-color: #741b47;">I guess if the shoe fits...</i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">It's difficult sometimes to realize these characters we so enjoy on TV and in film aren't real people; that the actors behind them aren't all charm and grace and good hearts.&nbsp; I really do struggle with it.&nbsp; Another example this week came with the news of Mark Salling's suicide.&nbsp; If you dig around in the archives of this blog, somewhere you will find a post dedicated to his character Puck, from the hit show Glee.&nbsp; I wasn't a huge Gleek, but I did go through a phase of watching it, and mainly because I adored Puck.&nbsp; I lost track of him after the show ended, but I had heard rumblings recently that he had been charged with possession of child pornography. Just about the ickiest of the icky right there...&nbsp; Unfathomable, grotesque, despicable.&nbsp; I'd like to have felt a twinge of sadness over his death, that he felt such despair, and forgiven him for his sins... But that's a lot to forgive and forget.&nbsp; Mark Salling's death was greeted with little fanfare, little coverage, and absolutely none of the usual tributes and accolades that an actor's death would normally draw.</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #ead1dc;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktY4AgpvAco/WnNDRIYsqtI/AAAAAAAATGU/7urJ2RTJjKU6zcW023C0HQMTMPwCsjV-wCLcBGAs/s1600/puck%2Bglee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #741b47; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ktY4AgpvAco/WnNDRIYsqtI/AAAAAAAATGU/7urJ2RTJjKU6zcW023C0HQMTMPwCsjV-wCLcBGAs/s320/puck%2Bglee.jpg" width="238" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">It's a tough one.&nbsp; Rationalizing the enjoyment of an actor's performance against their real-life character flaws.&nbsp; It almost feels wrong to be watching House of Cards right now, feeling eager to get home and watch more, anticipating what Frank might do next.&nbsp; When the world has decided to completely cut him from the program going forward, maybe I shouldn't be watching (and enjoying) what he did in the past?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">What's your position on the matter?&nbsp; Is it icky to watch The Cosby Show now?&nbsp; Have you lost respect for the likes of Ben Affleck, James Franco, and Louis C.K.?&nbsp; Would you look back on episodes of Glee and still think Puck was adorable?&nbsp; And is it wrong to find enjoyment in watching Kevin Spacey in his vast catalogue of work?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: #ead1dc;">I'm still not sure how I'm supposed to think or feel about it all.&nbsp; It really is a dilemma.&nbsp; But for now, I'm going to keep watching House of Cards, and leave the judgments up to someone else.</span></span></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-88615595020748008992018-01-31T10:14:00.001-05:002018-01-31T10:14:20.451-05:00Let's hold that "Master Crocheter" idea...Oh, you guys.&nbsp; I had a dream.&nbsp; I had a dream of being a Crocheting Queen.&nbsp; I had a dream of picking up a crochet hook and a ball of yarn, and absolute MAGIC would happen.<br /><br />I have no idea why I thought this was possible.&nbsp; I have only made one foray into yarn crafting before, and it was when I was a kid and my mom tried to teach me how to knit.&nbsp; I remember deep frustration, hot tears, and total anger at my fat fingers that just wouldn't <i>work</i>&nbsp;the way they were supposed to.&nbsp; I knit one little scarf that was barely big enough for my dog, wrapped it around his neck, and approximately 10 minutes later he had chewed it up and left little bits of coloured yarn all over our garage.<br /><br />That was the beginning and the end of my knitting career.&nbsp;<br /><br />And I honestly had no interest in taking anything like that up again until recent weeks, when suddenly I got the urge to learn to crochet.<br /><br />Not only to <i>learn</i>&nbsp;how to crochet, but to become an <i>expert</i>&nbsp;at crocheting.&nbsp; <i>Instantly</i>.<br /><br />The memories of my knitting fiasco still lingered, but surely that was because I was so young.&nbsp; Just a little 10-year-old girl.&nbsp; Now, as an adult, it would come more naturally.&nbsp; I would understand the mechanics of it much better.&nbsp; I have an artistic flair, and that would somehow translate to crocheting.&nbsp; I'd pick it up quickly now, and be off!&nbsp; Crocheting hats and scarves and blankets for family and friends, and building an inventory for my little side business!!<br /><br />Do you know how sure I was that this was going to come to me right away?&nbsp; I made a list of names for my little crocheting side business.&nbsp; That's right, I was brain-storming names for a business that did not even exist yet.<br /><br />And after last night, I'm fairly certain that little crocheting side business will <i>never</i>&nbsp;exist.<br /><br />The "Learn How to Crochet" kit arrived in the mail yesterday.&nbsp; I stopped in at my mom's after work to steal a ball of yarn from one of her bins, and because she was so sure I'd never pick it up from reading an instruction booklet, she gave me a lesson.&nbsp; And then, all of a sudden, I was 10-years-old again.&nbsp; Frustrated and angry and... what's that??... are those TEARS in my eyes???<br /><br />My fingers are still fat.&nbsp; They still fumble around.&nbsp; The hook keeps getting snagged.&nbsp; Mom goes too fast.&nbsp; I have no idea how to start.&nbsp; The instruction booklet might as well be written in Russian.&nbsp; I worked all night on this little wee red square that doesn't even look like a square anymore.&nbsp; And my wrists and fingers were cramped and sore from the little work I had done.<br /><br />How on EARTH would I ever manage to make something REAL???<br /><br />It was a far, far cry from the image of "Hygge" I had dreamed up in my head.&nbsp; I pictured little ol' me, sitting by soft lamp light in the evening, snug on my couch, with a ball of yarn and a pattern and a cup of hot tea beside me, quietly crocheting away, only having to keep one eye on my work as I watched TV.&nbsp; Because, you know, I was just going to be <i>that good at it</i>.&nbsp;<br /><br />Sigh.&nbsp;<br /><br />I think I'm going to take the suggestions of some of my Facebook friends and watch some Youtube videos.&nbsp; I worked on single crocheting last night and now I want to move on to double crocheting, but I cannot for the life of me understand what the book is telling me to do.&nbsp; And yes, of course, my mom can show me, and I think she already did show me last night, but I was not catching on at <i>all.</i><br /><i><br /></i>I'm pretty determined that I'm going to learn, though.&nbsp; I'm not going to let that first try of frustration and failure stop me like I did when I was 10.&nbsp; I really do want to get the hang of this and hopefully get good at it <i>someday</i>...<br /><br />But that dream of being amazing at it right off the bat?&nbsp; Being able to read a pattern and just produce it perfectly as I had hoped?&nbsp; Not gonna happen.<br /><br />Looks like I'm just going to have to practice.&nbsp; Imagine that.&nbsp;<br /><br />I'll keep working on my little square that looks more like a triangle.&nbsp; Maybe someday it will turn into a blanket.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-72387884013796375232018-01-30T10:57:00.001-05:002018-01-30T10:57:54.497-05:00Tuesday Randoms<br /><ul><li>I've been crossing things off the ol' "To Do List" lately.&nbsp; This past week/weekend, that included cleaning out both my fridge freezer and the big freezer in the basement, defrosting the basement freezer, and cleaning out the front closet (which has literally not been cleaned since the beginning of time).&nbsp; Exhausting stupid jobs that I"ve been putting off forever, but man, does it feel good to have them done.</li><li>When I cleaned out the freezers, one of my rules was: "If the date on it is from more than a year ago, it gets tossed".&nbsp; I had a TON of stuff to chuck. I did this task last Tuesday evening because garbage day was the next day, and with it being winter, I knew the stuff would stay frozen for a more clean removal from my home to the bin, and then into the garbage truck.&nbsp; So for the frozen containers of soup and chili and pasta that had not been used, I let them defrost just enough that I could pop the frozen pucks of <i>stuff</i>&nbsp;and toss into a garbage bag.&nbsp; Once I was done, the bag was so heavy I could barely lift it.&nbsp; But I was determined.&nbsp; So I dragged it out to the bin that was already out at the curb, and when I went to hoist it into the bin, it split open and chunks of frozen BLECH spilled into the snowbank.&nbsp; I went back in and grabbed more garbage bags, and went to clean up my mess. It had been rather mild that day, so a lot of melting was going on, and there was a huge puddle in front of my house.&nbsp; So of course, as I was bent over plucking frozen chunks of gross old food out of the snow, cars were driving by like maniacs and splashing me.&nbsp; Over and over and over.&nbsp; I swear, if a hidden camera had been on me, that would have been one for the Funniest Home Videos loop... I was not impressed!</li><li>It was sad, really.&nbsp; The waste.&nbsp; One of my goals going forward is to be more mindful of what I have bought and what I have saved in the freezer, and eat up what I have before buying more.&nbsp; I mean, 3 old boxes of chicken fingers, 2 old boxes of chicken burgers, and 1 old box of chicken nuggets?&nbsp; So unnecessary...</li><li>I'm pleased with what I've accomplished this winter in the "crappy job" department.&nbsp; Now I have to clean out my cupboards and fridge, and my own closet, and then I'll be done everything on my list.&nbsp; Feels good.</li><li>Another of my winter tasks is to finish up some books that I only had half-read that have been lying around on my nightstand.&nbsp; I had started The Handmaid's Tale in the fall, but had to quit half-way in order to get to our next book club book at the time.&nbsp; That book was The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared, which took me <i>forever </i>to read, but I really wanted to get it done, and I completed it earlier in the month. That felt like a huge victory.&nbsp; Then I went back to The Handmaid's Tale, and finished it up fairly quickly.&nbsp; Now I've moved on to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, which I received as a birthday gift several years ago and started but never finished.&nbsp; I think I must just have not been in the mood for it at the time, because I'm really enjoying it now.&nbsp; Once it's done, I'll have cleaned all of the half-read books off my nightstand!&nbsp; Woo hoo!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve_Ty8_-LOI/WnCUUs39luI/AAAAAAAATFc/6lhDm1aXbPMT5lqmFpSYZQ3dxSKbQT6_QCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bnightingale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="228" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve_Ty8_-LOI/WnCUUs39luI/AAAAAAAATFc/6lhDm1aXbPMT5lqmFpSYZQ3dxSKbQT6_QCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Bnightingale.jpg" width="210" /></a></div></li><li>My last post was my Hygge post, and it has been very much on my mind ever since.&nbsp; That said, the internet can be creepy sometimes.&nbsp; I shared in that post that I wanted an electric fireplace, ideally one that is part of an entertainment unit like my sister has.&nbsp; Then early last week, a Canadian Tire ad popped up on my Facebook for a fireplace entertainment unit that is pretty much identical to the one my sister has. I don't ever recall seeing a Canadian Tire ad pop up on my Facebook before.&nbsp; Seriously, it kind of spooked me.&nbsp; Anyways, it was on sale - regular $699.99, marked down to $379.99.&nbsp; Such a good deal.&nbsp; BUT , as I have mentioned, it is also supposed to be "The Year of Saving" for me, and having JUST paid off my credit card last week, I didn't like the thoughts of racking it back up again... such a dilemma.&nbsp; After discussing with my mom, I had almost made up my mind to go and buy it on the weekend, only to discover to the sale had ended last Thursday.&nbsp; So I guess the Universe decided for me.&nbsp; I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for deals in the future, once I (hopefully) have more money saved up &amp; more freedom to spend on such things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n87qS6ED5KQ/WnCUxpcGUGI/AAAAAAAATFg/kX15x4kma5oQZj4_wnuDTtvq7MCSOpfkACLcBGAs/s1600/fireplace%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="520" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n87qS6ED5KQ/WnCUxpcGUGI/AAAAAAAATFg/kX15x4kma5oQZj4_wnuDTtvq7MCSOpfkACLcBGAs/s400/fireplace%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Something I DID kind of splurge on, also from the Hygge post, that my mother scolded me for, was a "Learn How to Crochet" kit from Amazon.&nbsp; I know my mom has the tools and the ability to teach me, but we can butt heads (at least we did long ago when she tried to teach me how to knit), so I thought I'd embark on this one on my own.&nbsp; It's kind of funny, since I ordered the kit, I've been daydreaming about becoming a crocheting pro, and making all kinds of blankets and hats and scarves, being able to start up a little side business and sell my products in an Etsy shop or going to vendor and craft shows...&nbsp; Haven't made one stitch yet, and I'm ready to become a world famous crocheter! ha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDi7G66JZpw/WnCU_nNcwDI/AAAAAAAATFo/sbRjnSsSJDIsO_wxntpZ4wl7nzEFNY6sACLcBGAs/s1600/crochet%2Bkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="835" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDi7G66JZpw/WnCU_nNcwDI/AAAAAAAATFo/sbRjnSsSJDIsO_wxntpZ4wl7nzEFNY6sACLcBGAs/s320/crochet%2Bkit.jpg" width="267" /></a></div></li><li>So, when I ordered the crochet kit from Amazon, it recommended some things I should buy to go with it.&nbsp; One was a package of 8 balls of yard, only an additional $10!&nbsp; "Sure.&nbsp; I'll need yarn, I love these colours, and that sounds like a good deal."&nbsp; The package arrived, and I was like, "Huh.&nbsp; Something's wrong.&nbsp; How can there be 8 balls of yarn in here?"&nbsp; Oh, they were there.&nbsp; And they fit in the small package because they were<i> itty bitty teeny tiny </i>balls of yarn.&nbsp; Like, literally, balls of yard the size of my thumb.&nbsp; Sigh. I guess I'll take my friend Lindsay's suggestion and start crocheting scarves for mice?!?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbpRhoTEmKo/WnCVXSb3OTI/AAAAAAAATFs/BFfqo3H2GG8qJfDkqrHQkmXfwSu-Y41NQCLcBGAs/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gbpRhoTEmKo/WnCVXSb3OTI/AAAAAAAATFs/BFfqo3H2GG8qJfDkqrHQkmXfwSu-Y41NQCLcBGAs/s320/yarn.jpg" width="282" /></a></div></li><li>I know I mention it far too often, but OH how I love having Mondays and Fridays off in the winter!!&nbsp; Yesterday, I spent the morning in the kitchen making <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/contest-winning-cheesy-cauliflower-soup" target="_blank">Cheesy Cauliflower Soup </a>(so yum), <a href="https://www.skinnytaste.com/easy-bagel-recipe/" target="_blank">homemade bagels</a> (turned out amazing), and <a href="http://www.plainchicken.com/2018/01/white-trash-cookies.html" target="_blank">White Trash cookies </a>(also incredibly yum).&nbsp; All were new recipes for me and I was so pleased they all turned out so well!</li><li>I watched Manhunt: Unabomber throughout the week &amp; weekend on Netflix, and I got SO into it.&nbsp; Such a well done show.&nbsp; I was just a kid when the Unabomber was caught in the '90's, so I didn't really know the story well.&nbsp; I found it fascinating, and was surprised at how they were able to actually get me to sympathize with him in the end.&nbsp; And yesterday, after my friend Lolly recommended it to me many times, I finally started House of Cards.&nbsp; I was a little reluctant to try it, I wasn't sure if it would be my cup of tea, and with all the Kevin Spacey backlash in the news lately, but... turns out, I'm already hooked.&nbsp; I watched 7 episodes in one day.&nbsp; And I can't wait to get home to watch more tonight.&nbsp; Hooked.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVGxMAiBXpI/WnCV1DOcppI/AAAAAAAATF0/PwuyOMAoAKA8CehHLOAjn7xwZj7GFjkvQCLcBGAs/s1600/House_of_Cards_main_characters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QVGxMAiBXpI/WnCV1DOcppI/AAAAAAAATF0/PwuyOMAoAKA8CehHLOAjn7xwZj7GFjkvQCLcBGAs/s400/House_of_Cards_main_characters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li></ul><div>Well, that's all I've got for the random today!!&nbsp; Happy Tuesday friends!! :)</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-11624306729951319922018-01-17T11:01:00.002-05:002018-01-17T11:01:32.277-05:00Gettin' Hygge With ItHave you ever heard or seen the word "Hygge"?&nbsp; Do you know what it means??<br /><br />I admit, I had never heard of the word until I opened my stocking on Christmas morning and pulled out "The Little Book of Hygge" by Meik Wiking.&nbsp; And I also admit that my eyebrows kinda went up in confusion and skepticism.&nbsp; "Huh?&nbsp; What the heck is this?"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg3MwXXgaow/Wl9wn-mCSKI/AAAAAAAATEE/XZIMkpOW-wciaRZUBXMal00f8j4hK5oOwCLcBGAs/s1600/hygge%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="366" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg3MwXXgaow/Wl9wn-mCSKI/AAAAAAAATEE/XZIMkpOW-wciaRZUBXMal00f8j4hK5oOwCLcBGAs/s320/hygge%2Bbook.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><br />My mom quickly replied, "Oh, that was a recommendation from Aunt Marion.&nbsp; She thought you should read it.&nbsp; She thinks this is right up your alley."<br /><br />Oh, okay.&nbsp; Aunt Marion never leads me astray.&nbsp; I set it aside and thought, <i>I'll take a look at it later.</i><br /><i><br /></i>For several weeks, it lay on my night stand, and every time I glanced its way, I'd think, <i>Oh yes, I have to check out that hygge book and see what it's all about.</i><br /><i><br /></i>Turns out, I was pronouncing it wrong for all that time.&nbsp; Once I finally did flip that book open, I learned very early on that "hygge" is NOT pronounced like "jiggy", as I have used it in the title of this blog post.&nbsp; It's actually pronounced "hoo-gah".&nbsp; &nbsp;Hygge comes from the Danish word for "well-being".&nbsp; It also encompasses feelings of being cozy and comfortable.&nbsp; Over the years, hygge has become a defining characteristic of Danish culture.<br /><br />Did you know it's been scientifically proven that Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world?&nbsp; Despite having cold, dark winters, and a high average number of rainy days per year, the Danish people are happy.&nbsp; And a lot of that has to do with hygge.<br /><br />I haven't gotten far into the book yet, but the more I read each night, the more I'm starting to think I'm kind of already a Master of Hygge.&nbsp; I'm the Queen of Comfy &amp; Cozy.&nbsp; There is nothing I love better than curling up in a dark room lit only by candles &amp; Scentsy warmers, snuggled beneath a a big blanket, in my comfiest clothes and fuzziest socks, with a bowl of buttery popcorn and a mug of hot chocolate or Chai tea within reach.&nbsp; I love hunkering down to watch a movie or work on a puzzle or write in a journal or colour, especially if there's snow (or rain) coming down outside.&nbsp; Nothing I enjoy more than a wind howling outside while I'm snug as a bug inside, with a pot of soup or chili simmering on the stove, and the smells of bread or cookies baking wafting in the air.&nbsp; Oooh! Or drawing a nice, hot bubble bath and soaking by candlelight with a good book until the water gets cold!!<br /><br />I honestly think it's why I enjoy fall and winter more than spring and summer.&nbsp; In the nicer months, there's more of an expectation to get out and enjoy.&nbsp; Leave the stuffy confines of your home, get fresh air, soak up the sun, enjoy the breeze!&nbsp; But as the Queen of Comfy &amp; Cozy, I far more anticipate the dark and the quiet and the stormy days, when it's more acceptable to hibernate and cuddle up.&nbsp; I think that's why I so look forward to movie nights and snow storms and even rainy days in the summer.&nbsp; It's not, as my mom once told me, "morbid" - it's my deep love and craving for HYGGE!!!<br /><br />That said, I have already thought of some ways I'd like to enhance the hygge in my home.&nbsp; These aren't necessarily things I need to do right away (it is the YEAR OF SAVING, after all), but little wish list items I'd like to pursue in the coming years, all for my hygge benefit:<br /><br /><ul><li>What's more hygge than a fireplace, man?&nbsp; I've got the candles and Scentsy warmers and soft lamp light covered, but oh, how I'd still love a little fireplace.&nbsp; Just one of the electrical ones will do just fine.&nbsp; The problem is, I've never been able to figure out where I'd put one in my living room, considering the space I have to work with.&nbsp; It's a big room, but because of a huge front window, there's only so many places furniture and the TV can go.&nbsp; Ideally, I'd like one like my sister has - that is part of an entertainment unit that my TV would sit atop.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQbFK7074c/Wl9w6QpT58I/AAAAAAAATEI/2ljlnaEu9m4DkzfVRU1W1L9XdOF2zB2hwCLcBGAs/s1600/fireplace%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1440" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQbFK7074c/Wl9w6QpT58I/AAAAAAAATEI/2ljlnaEu9m4DkzfVRU1W1L9XdOF2zB2hwCLcBGAs/s400/fireplace%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I've decided I need an area rug for my living room.&nbsp; My living room is absolutely the room in my home that I spend the most time in.&nbsp; It's a big open room, with lots of space and light.&nbsp; My furniture is, naturally, placed around the perimeter of the room, which leaves a lot of empty space in the middle, a lot of empty light-coloured faux-wood click flooring.&nbsp; Don't get me wrong, I love having space, it's not a bad thing.&nbsp; But I think a nice area rug would draw the room in, and make it feel even cozier.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aq-BZXt1g0/Wl9xJpzPuoI/AAAAAAAATEQ/24UulOzMiJkIsLVE_r-5Wld2c2LiQ3KPgCLcBGAs/s1600/area%2Brug%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9aq-BZXt1g0/Wl9xJpzPuoI/AAAAAAAATEQ/24UulOzMiJkIsLVE_r-5Wld2c2LiQ3KPgCLcBGAs/s400/area%2Brug%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Again, my living room space is my main focus, because it's where I spend most of my time at home, and thus, the last piece of the puzzle to making it "completely comfy" would be getting new vertical blinds.&nbsp; The ones that are there are old, they have some water stains on them, and they don't match the paint colour.&nbsp; I'd like nice, crisp white blinds to cover the big windows.&nbsp; I've toyed with the idea of curtains instead, but I think at the end of the day, white vertical blinds are the way to go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGCnYkkUlSE/Wl9xpv4oTDI/AAAAAAAATEk/rcKZxDHkBWE3gmIbUoE_P8_RtksUYCg7gCLcBGAs/s1600/blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="566" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGCnYkkUlSE/Wl9xpv4oTDI/AAAAAAAATEk/rcKZxDHkBWE3gmIbUoE_P8_RtksUYCg7gCLcBGAs/s400/blinds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Moving into the kitchen, I'd like to install some kind of shelving or racks on the big empty wall over my sink to put my mugs.&nbsp; I have a mug fetish.&nbsp; I can't seem to stop buying new ones, even though I have no room for them, and I never seem to be able to part with old ones either.&nbsp; Mugs are taking over my kitchen.&nbsp; I think adding shelves or something to hang them on the wall above the sink will add a cozy hygge factor.&nbsp; It will just call out, "THIS GIRL HAS COFFEE!&nbsp; AND TEA!!&nbsp; AND HOT CHOCOLATE!!!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDO0yNeHgqo/Wl9x9UcOezI/AAAAAAAATEo/5DT0NRtiUQQGpLvc4B38BoyficxUE-mwwCLcBGAs/s1600/mug%2Bdisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDO0yNeHgqo/Wl9x9UcOezI/AAAAAAAATEo/5DT0NRtiUQQGpLvc4B38BoyficxUE-mwwCLcBGAs/s400/mug%2Bdisplay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I'm not sure yet of how it would work or where I would put it, but I'd love to have a little "coffee &amp; tea corner" in my kitchen.&nbsp; I have my Keurig on the counter with an assortment of K-cups beside it, but I've recently re-discovered my love for tea, so now I also have many tea bags and cans of loose tea, kettles, spoons, and tea infusers and sachets lying all over the counter and table in my kitchen.&nbsp; I'd like to somehow get it all organized, put in the same spot, and make it a cozy wee space.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waVyuex5nUk/Wl9yMG8xFfI/AAAAAAAATEs/0YVyYP-XUfc5WDV3NIn7PLd4UkgQ6WxDQCLcBGAs/s1600/coffee%2Band%2Btea%2Bcorner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1282" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-waVyuex5nUk/Wl9yMG8xFfI/AAAAAAAATEs/0YVyYP-XUfc5WDV3NIn7PLd4UkgQ6WxDQCLcBGAs/s400/coffee%2Band%2Btea%2Bcorner.png" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I think organization and tidiness is a key aspect of hygge, because I find it distracting when things are out of order and "stuff" is taking over, and sometimes that's a problem for me.&nbsp; I'm a bit of a pack-rat, and I can let the "messy" take over sometimes.&nbsp; It's an especially big problem in my kitchen.&nbsp; I don't seem to have enough cupboard and counter space for all my "stuff", and so it has basically taken over the little table in my kitchen, and I also have bags and boxes filled with Tupperware and containers and, well... just...STUFF everywhere.&nbsp; It's totally annoying and I don't know what to do about it.&nbsp; I'm going to seriously spend some time thinking of what I can do to create more storage space for stuff, perhaps a cupboard re-org and going through and tossing stuff that has been taking up space that I don't use.&nbsp; I'd love to be able to have that little table empty of clutter, and without junk piled all around it, to enjoy coffee or tea with friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>There have been a few other areas of my life and home that have been nagging at me that need to be tidied/re-organized/cleaned up.&nbsp; They include: my fridge and freezer, my front closet, and my own bedroom closet.&nbsp; All three are winter projects for me, and I think once I have them done, I'll feel more content and cozy in my own home.</li><li>I'd like to learn a "cozy" craft, like crocheting.&nbsp; I have lots of teachers around me, but I'm stubborn, easily frustrated, and quickly angered, so anytime I've tried to learn in the past has resulted in me quitting in a fit of tears.&nbsp; I've recently decided maybe I should get the supplies I need and just try to learn from Youtube videos, as I've heard others have done.&nbsp; I like the idea of cozying up at night with Netflix and working on a crochet project.&nbsp; Bonus would be it could keep me awake!&nbsp; I'm notorious for falling asleep on the couch way too early in the evenings while watching TV.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNq4BEgnRlY/Wl9zDBL72iI/AAAAAAAATFA/ZkAEmqUNFeUJQjrDCmCcndAj7Z7OCE5JQCLcBGAs/s1600/crocheting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="187" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNq4BEgnRlY/Wl9zDBL72iI/AAAAAAAATFA/ZkAEmqUNFeUJQjrDCmCcndAj7Z7OCE5JQCLcBGAs/s400/crocheting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>A rock salt lamp.&nbsp; Probably in my bedroom, on the nightstand.&nbsp; I think it would add a cozy element to my already-cozy bedroom, and I hear they help make you "feel better".&nbsp; I don't know how or why - might need to do some research on this - but anything that makes me "feel better" can't be a bad thing, especially if it brings the hygge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0zqORCPwZI/Wl9zRkhDKPI/AAAAAAAATFE/t-18ly7hTPopPVWNZoOtfj9t9xMF78grgCLcBGAs/s1600/rock%2Bsalt%2Blamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0zqORCPwZI/Wl9zRkhDKPI/AAAAAAAATFE/t-18ly7hTPopPVWNZoOtfj9t9xMF78grgCLcBGAs/s320/rock%2Bsalt%2Blamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li></ul><div>Just listing these ideas as they crossed my mind have spawned other, new ideas... like a reading corner with a little shelf of books near my big blue chair where I read in the living room.&nbsp; And a music corner with an old selection of CD's in my dining room, where the CD player/radio is, which would bring nostalgia of my youth with all of that old music I loved.&nbsp; And a writing desk and a painting corner in my craft room...&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Lord, I'm going to have "nooks" and "corners" all over my house at this rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, one last tidbit:&nbsp; After I started reading the book and learned what the term meant, I saw someone on Facebook shared a link to "The 10 Most Hygge Recipes Ever".&nbsp; Translated, it was a bunch of the best comfort foods... ALSO all my faves!!&nbsp; I swear... I'm so hygge...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, how do you feel about "hygge"?&nbsp; Are you a cozy &amp; comfy kind of person?&nbsp; Does your living space reflect that?&nbsp; Come on, everyone, get hygge with it!!! :)</div><div><br /></div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-25782049199015655352018-01-16T09:07:00.001-05:002018-01-16T09:07:46.083-05:00Some random Tuesday ramblingsHappy Tuesday, friends!!&nbsp; Here's a little random on this chilly Tuedsay...<br /><br /><ul><li>Anybody else feel like January is literally <i>crawling</i>&nbsp;by?&nbsp; Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining.&nbsp; These colder, quieter winter months are my absolute favourite, so I don't mind at all!&nbsp; It just feels like Christmas was a million years ago, and it's only the middle of January.&nbsp; I guess far too often I complain that time is flying by too quickly, so I'll embrace this January "crawl".</li><li>I've been soaking up all the things I love to do in this slower time of year.&nbsp; I have a 1000 piece puzzle on the go, I've been getting in some extra reading (FINALLY finished The One Hundred Year Old Man, well into The Handmaid's Tale now), I made a giant pot of pasta sauce and homemade bread last week, and of course Netflix... LOTS of time spent with Netflix!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDomjQoUf5E/Wl4F1A2iseI/AAAAAAAATDc/KSl_V4UYKl8Sv-pixWjDk---5cAM7HcPwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bhandmaid%2527s%2Btale%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDomjQoUf5E/Wl4F1A2iseI/AAAAAAAATDc/KSl_V4UYKl8Sv-pixWjDk---5cAM7HcPwCLcBGAs/s320/the%2Bhandmaid%2527s%2Btale%2B2.jpg" width="236" /></a></div></li><li>Speaking of Netflix... I have a new love.&nbsp; It feels like it's been a long time since I've had a new love, but it finally happened.&nbsp; Outlander.&nbsp; Jamie.&nbsp; IN. LOVE!!!!!!&nbsp; Sadly, I blew through the two seasons on Netflix in under two weeks, so Jamie is already gone from my life. (at least, until Season 3 appears).&nbsp; It's hard to let go of my loves when the episodes run out. *sigh*&nbsp; Jamie was a good one.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq_tPVXu-B4/Wl4GKA9D_FI/AAAAAAAATDg/aKT_rXMR9h44O6tJjV9DhrQmj48xCkYEACLcBGAs/s1600/jamie%2Bfraser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aq_tPVXu-B4/Wl4GKA9D_FI/AAAAAAAATDg/aKT_rXMR9h44O6tJjV9DhrQmj48xCkYEACLcBGAs/s400/jamie%2Bfraser.jpg" width="296" /></a></div></li><li>So now I'm back into Shameless again.&nbsp; While I was into Outlander, Season 7 of Shameless landed on Netflix, so at least I had an old favourite to return to once Jamie was done.&nbsp; Sometimes when I "return" to a show after being away from it, I discover I don't enjoy it as much (this happened to me with Scandal, The Mindy Project, and Suits) - but thankfully, I'm still loving Shameless as much as I did the first time around!&nbsp; Those crazy Gallaghers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPPCC0fcHes/Wl4Gfv01rFI/AAAAAAAATDo/GwxfdHlEoSMRkLXUsP25wZdSaMMD-pKnwCLcBGAs/s1600/shameless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="620" height="302" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPPCC0fcHes/Wl4Gfv01rFI/AAAAAAAATDo/GwxfdHlEoSMRkLXUsP25wZdSaMMD-pKnwCLcBGAs/s400/shameless.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>So, remember when I said 2018 was "The Year of Saving"??&nbsp; Well, so far, so good.&nbsp; Goal #1 was to have Christmas (my credit card) paid off by the end of January, and barring any disasters, I think that should be achievable.&nbsp; After that, the goal will be to NOT be tempted to ring up a bunch of new clothing or Amazon purchases, and get a nice cushion built in the ol' bank account.&nbsp; While I don't have any trips or big expenditures planned for 2018, there are quite a few weddings coming up this summer and all the events that will go with them, so it would be nice to go into that knowing I have some dollars saved up. Here's hoping.</li><li>Heart palpitation update:&nbsp; Still happening, but definitely to a lesser degree, more like light flutters several times a day than the big thumps &amp; stutter-steps I was getting back before Christmas.&nbsp; I guess the medication is working.&nbsp; I had my appointment at the Heart Institute on Saturday, for an echo-cardiogram, which went smoothly - at least as far as I can tell.&nbsp; The technician can't say anything, he just has the reports sent on to a cardiologist and my own doctor, but he didn't gasp or cry or rush me into a heart transplant surgery, so I'm gong to take that as a good sign.</li><li>&nbsp;You know what I want?&nbsp; A SNOWSTORM.&nbsp; Like a big, giant, 40cm dumping.&nbsp; We haven't had one of those in a long time.&nbsp; We lost a lot of our snow last week in a January thaw, when it poured rain for 2 days straight and went to 10 degrees. ugh.&nbsp; Seems like it's either -30 or&nbsp;+10 this winter.&nbsp; No in between.&nbsp; How about a nice -5 and 40 cm's of snow?&nbsp; I want to be snowed in.&nbsp; I want to have added reason to hibernate.&nbsp; Come on, Mother Nature.</li><li>I'm pretty aware that the above paragraph will have a lot of my friends and family screaming at me. Whatever.&nbsp; I'm Elsa, bitches.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpWAI4xos38/Wl4G52QxTMI/AAAAAAAATDs/_k5F9An9wQgWbe3ue-Bt7OVO796T1-CqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Elsa-Snow-Queen-In-Frozen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UpWAI4xos38/Wl4G52QxTMI/AAAAAAAATDs/_k5F9An9wQgWbe3ue-Bt7OVO796T1-CqQCLcBGAs/s400/Elsa-Snow-Queen-In-Frozen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>Songs I'm loving lately:&nbsp; Perfect by Ed Sheeran (especially the Beyonce version), River by Eminem featuring Ed Sheeran (have I mentioned lately how much I love Ed Sheeran??), Filthy by JT (took a few listens, but I'm digging it), Lost in the Light by Bahamas (no idea how I stumbled across it, but I love it), and Never Be the Same by Camila Cabello (which is nice, because that Havana oh nana song DRIVES me up the wall).&nbsp; Also, my strange iTunes purchase of the week is an Elton John hits compilation that was on sale.&nbsp; I have never been a big Elton fan, but I just felt drawn to it.&nbsp; And yes, I am loving it, too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehgiSB4mRZ8/Wl4HIxS1LXI/AAAAAAAATD0/EIUq9pWQnxoXW5caBZ1i_fxXOyZrkFi3wCLcBGAs/s1600/elton%2Bjohn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="630" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ehgiSB4mRZ8/Wl4HIxS1LXI/AAAAAAAATD0/EIUq9pWQnxoXW5caBZ1i_fxXOyZrkFi3wCLcBGAs/s400/elton%2Bjohn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I have another quiet weekend coming up (knock on wood) which I'm looking forward to.&nbsp; I have to take my car for an oil change on Friday, I have to make soup for next week's Soup &amp; Sandwich at some point, and I have a paint day with Shannon booked for Monday, but otherwise, it will be another weekend of puzzling, reading, and Netflixing.&nbsp; My FAVOURITE!!! :)</li></ul><div>What's new and random in YOUR world???</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-61526388260980205492018-01-04T09:37:00.005-05:002018-01-04T09:37:57.361-05:00Setting Intentions, Being GratefulI woke up with a headache this morning.&nbsp; And my first reaction was to groan, and say, "Seriously, Universe?&nbsp; Can you let up for just ONE. FRIGGING. DAY?!?!"<br /><br />Despite a really wonderful holiday season, I've been bogged down and clouded over with worry and frustration in recent weeks, mainly due to the increasingly annoying heart palpitations that just won't quit, and then getting probably the worst cold I've had in years at the tail end of 2017.&nbsp; Yesterday, I felt like the cold was on its way out and I was relieved.&nbsp; So to wake up with a headache this morning was an unwelcome step backwards.&nbsp; And I was <i>pissed</i>.<br /><br />I lay in bed feeling sorry for myself for a few minutes, and then I gave my (sore) head a shake.&nbsp; <i>Seriously, Jillian.&nbsp; You are getting way too "woe is me" over nothing!!&nbsp; Get a grip!!</i><br /><i><br /></i>And it's so true.&nbsp; I've been letting these little health issues (which, as far as I know, aren't very serious) drag me down and ruin my day lately, and I don't want to be that kind of person.&nbsp; I don't want to wallow in despair over things I have no control over, and really, at the end of the day, aren't a big deal.<br /><br />On New Year's Eve, I heard the story of a girl who was in <a href="http://ottawasun.com/news/local-news/i-want-to-live-doctors-amputate-all-womans-limbs-after-car-crash-electric-shock/wcm/51f942a1-fc83-4926-8ff2-5c5068759d67" target="_blank">a tragic car accident in our Municipality.</a>&nbsp; The accident happened on Christmas Eve, on one of the back roads, as she made her way from her mother's place in Luskville to visit friends in the city.&nbsp; She lost control of her vehicle and hit a hydro pole, and when she tried to get out of her car, she was electrocuted by live wires.&nbsp; She spent hours alone in the cold waiting for someone to find her and get help.&nbsp; She has since had surgery to remove all four of her limbs.<br /><br />She survived.&nbsp; She has a long road ahead of her, yet still...&nbsp;<i>she survived</i>.<br /><br />I don't know this girl, but she's been on my mind.&nbsp; When faced with this perilous situation, she fought hard.&nbsp; She showed incredible strength and courage, and a will to live.&nbsp;<br /><br />Sure makes my little problems pale in comparison, doesn't it?&nbsp;<br /><br />Yesterday, I read a blog post by one of my favourite bloggers, <a href="https://www.thedailytay.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Tay,</a> where she listed <a href="https://www.thedailytay.com/2018/01/18-things-focus-2018.html/" target="_blank">"18 Things to Focus on in 2018"</a>.&nbsp; I was inspired by her post, and her list of self-improvement techniques, teachings, and mantras.&nbsp; It was kind of just exactly what I needed to read, to help dig myself out of this little hole I've been burrowing myself into.&nbsp; I also read some posts on a message board on a health website from people who suffer from heart palpitations who encourage others to not let them become the focus of their day; to try to carry on as you normally would and not let them control you.<br /><br />It was all good stuff that I needed to read.&nbsp; Valuable reminders that my life is great, that I am a lucky girl, and that I have the power to create my own happiness.&nbsp; Start with gratitude.&nbsp; Set intentions.&nbsp; Feel joy.&nbsp; Send good vibrations out into the Universe and you'll get back what you give. Be gracious and mindful.&nbsp; Stop making excuses.&nbsp; Believe that the Universe is on your side.<br /><br />Last night, I went for a walk as snow gently fell, and I took deep breaths and inhaled the fresh, crisp winter air.&nbsp; Then I went home and spent a few quiet moments with the Daily Devotional book I received as a gift from a friend, quietly reading and reflecting.&nbsp; I turned off the TV, I sat on my couch, I did my ever-loving best to ignore the stutter-stepping going on in my chest, and I just breathed, and read, and thought.&nbsp; &nbsp;It's a practice I hope to instill on a daily basis.<br /><br />There are some things in life we cannot control.&nbsp; Accidents can happen, illness will hit, and strange things will unexpectedly try to set us off-kilter.&nbsp; I want to be prepared for them. I want to be strong in mind and soul.&nbsp; I want to be positive and hopeful and determined.&nbsp; I want to fight for the life I deserve.<br /><br />So here's to making 2018 a good year.&nbsp; The first few days have been less than stellar, but I'm ready to turn this ship around.&nbsp;&nbsp;Headache be gone.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm ready to send some good vibes out into the Universe, and feel grateful for all the good things in my life, of which there are many.<br /><br />Who's with me?Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-58524539615868413452018-01-03T09:13:00.001-05:002018-01-03T09:13:05.235-05:00Here we go, 2018!!Happy New Year, pals!!<br /><br />Wow.&nbsp; 2018!!!&nbsp; How is it that I'm always a little blind-sided by the New Year?&nbsp; How is it that each year seems to fly by so quickly, even more quickly than the last?!<br /><br />The holidays were wonderful.&nbsp; I'm a little bit heartbroken that they're over already.&nbsp; It was just such a GOOD week of eating, drinking, exchanging gifts, and spending quality time with family.&nbsp; I didn't want it to end!&nbsp; The only bad part was, of course, the heart palps (yes, they're still here, and they're driving me nuts), and I also caught a cold that carried me into the New Year.<br /><br />I hate to start the fresh slate off all whiny &amp; complainy, but man, I hate not feeling well.&nbsp; We're working on getting to the bottom of the palpitations and figuring them out, but add the good ol' common cold on top of it, and I get rather dramatic.&nbsp; Yesterday afternoon/evening, I coughed so hard &amp; so much I thought my head was going to explode.&nbsp; Aside from that, it's been headaches coming and going, stuffy nose, and just feeling generally drained and tired.&nbsp; It could be worse, I know, it's not the end of the world.&nbsp; But I like to start my New Year off with some zip and pizzazz, and this year I just haven't been able to.<br /><br />But I've tried!&nbsp; Oh, how I've tried!!&nbsp; Here's a few of the things - a few of my "Resolutions", if you will - that I've set to try and make myself feel better in 2018.<br /><br /><ul><li>The good ol' standby, the Resolution that never gets old: <i>Lose weight</i>.&nbsp; I really loathe the fact that I let myself gain all - literally, ALL - of my weight back after doing so well at losing it a few years ago.&nbsp; I decided my best success comes when I follow a program, and while it would make sense to go back to Beachbody and do TurboFire and Shakeology, I really didn't want to make the time commitment (often at least an hour in exercise, 6x week), or the financial commitment ($150+ each month for the Shakes) that it requires.&nbsp; Instead, I took advantage of a 50% promo with Weight Watchers and joined their Online club.&nbsp; I think it's one of the very few popular weight loss programs that I have NOT tried yet, and decided to give it a whirl for 6 months.&nbsp; I think if I could shed some pounds, I'd be feeling a lot better than I am right now.&nbsp; I don't need to be a stick, I just want to have some energy and feel healthy again.&nbsp; If I dropped a few sizes, well...all the better.</li><li>Of course, I come home after signing up for Weight Watchers and feeling good about that decision, and I'm greeted by all the leftover holiday treats I'd stocked up on... chips &amp; dip, candy, chocolate, cookies, nuts, every which way I turn.&nbsp; UGH!!&nbsp; I wish I had the willpower to bag it all up and throw it out, but I don't.&nbsp; <i>I just love it all too much!!</i>&nbsp; So I'm giving myself the week to enjoy the last of the treats and then they have to go away.&nbsp; I'll be "officially" starting my next weight loss journey next Monday.</li><li>2018:&nbsp; The Year of SAVING!!!&nbsp; It's no secret that I'm really bad at saving money.&nbsp; As soon as I get my credit card paid off, I wrack it right back up again.&nbsp; And usually, it's on things I don't really need.&nbsp; My goal for this year is to be more careful about spending, particularly on clothes ("Is this a WANT or a NEED??") and to start building up a cushion in my savings.&nbsp; I have been successfully doing the 5<a href="https://www.lgfcu.org/sites/default/files/docs/52week_challenge.pdf" target="_blank">2-Week Money Challenge</a> for several years now, and I'm going to continue it as well, but it usually is completely gone after Christmas.&nbsp; I want to make more of an effort to build my bank account up.&nbsp; I have no trips planned for this year, so that should help (last year, I had Florida and Nova Scotia). I also have no major foreseeable expenses (knock on wood).&nbsp; It seems to me it's a good year to start putting some coin away... once the Christmas debt is paid off first, of course.</li><li>I have a goal to be even MORE artistic in 2018.&nbsp; I know, I already do Paint Nites with Shannon as often as I can, but I want to do <i>more</i>.&nbsp; Before Christmas, I took one of her painting on glass classes for the first time, and I LOVED it.&nbsp; I found it so soothing and relaxing.&nbsp; I also want to do more adult colouring (I have 3 books and use them so seldom), I want to play more guitar, and I want to write more.&nbsp; I really want to let that artistic side of me flourish and grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>I plan to do some major de-cluttering and cleaning this year.&nbsp; I have closets that are jam-packed, a fridge and freezer that are hard to get into they're so full, and just a lot of <i>stuff</i>&nbsp;lying around.&nbsp; I need to watch a few episodes of Hoarders to spook myself, and then go on a cleaning &amp; purging rampage!!&nbsp; Thankfully, having Mondays and Fridays off in the winter, I have some extra time to do this.&nbsp; This coming weekend, I'll be taking down Christmas, and after that, it's on to the next steps.</li></ul><div>So, that's a little glimpse at my Resolutions for 2018.&nbsp; The actual list is much longer, and includes mundane things like "Read 15 books" and "get new blinds for the living room".&nbsp; But the ones above are the ones I'll really be focusing on, especially in the first few months of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait to get out of this funk and move on to bigger &amp; better!!&nbsp; Here's to 2018!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-34586431049064173132017-12-22T09:50:00.001-05:002017-12-22T09:50:09.470-05:00It's almost time... The baking is finished, the presents are wrapped, {most}of the movies and specials have been watched...&nbsp; We're still three days away, but man, I am SO READY!!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmziY6ZXrvA/Wj0bUC7VNWI/AAAAAAAATDI/MvUvUAF_-vYHVLMOKPVGIfgB_V-KwyKqACLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="638" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmziY6ZXrvA/Wj0bUC7VNWI/AAAAAAAATDI/MvUvUAF_-vYHVLMOKPVGIfgB_V-KwyKqACLcBGAs/s400/Christmas%2B2016.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />Today will be a half-day, and I'm not only supremely excited about that, I'm also a little relieved... the Curling Christmas Party last night was fun, and I had about two beers too many, so the head is a wee bit fuzzy this morning.&nbsp; At noon, we'll likely gather in the shop for a few drinks and a little MVT jam session, then it will be home for a nap.&nbsp; Tonight, I'll be heading to Lindsay &amp; Ryan's for our annual Christmas movie night, and that's always one of my favourite holiday traditions, especially now that Sam's so into movies!!<br /><br />Tomorrow I have to make a quick trip to Shawville to get stuff to make the saran wrap ball game for Christmas Eve, and we're also going to watch Caden's hockey game.&nbsp; Then we'll be off to Kayla and Ben's for the Eve of Christmas Eve at the Duquettes.&nbsp; Super fun!!&nbsp; I can't wait!!<br /><br />Sunday is Christmas Eve, but we don't have a morning church service, so it will likely actually be a pretty relaxing day.&nbsp; I'll have lots of time to pack up my stuff, get food and drinks ready, and get up to my mom's.&nbsp; I'll have no trouble squeezing in my annual Christmas Eve viewing of Miracle on 34th Street, of that I'm almost positive.&nbsp; After supper, we'll be off to church, another tradition that is an absolute must!!<br /><br />I'm so excited about it all.&nbsp; Honestly, the only slight problem I have is that I've been having weird heart palpitation problems.&nbsp; They've been ongoing for months, but they have become much more frequent over the past week, which not only makes me nervous but also is SO annoying.&nbsp; I have been to see my doctor about it, and I have tests and appointments coming up in the new year to try and get to the bottom of it, but in the meantime, since they aren't being accompanied by any of the serious symptoms (chest pain, dizziness, fainting), I just have to live with them.&nbsp; And they are driving me BANANAS.&nbsp; My doc has reassured me I'm healthy and he thinks it's more stress-related than anything, but they literally make me want to pull my hair out when they happen.&nbsp; So frustrating, and I don't want them to ruin my holidays!!!<br /><br />OK... I got that little vent out.&nbsp; (Anyone who has been around me for more than 2 minutes lately has heard enough about the heart palps, trust me).&nbsp; And now, I hope I can move on and just have a HOLLY, JOLLY CHRISTMAS!!!<br /><br />Wishing you &amp; yours all the best this holiday season.&nbsp; Enjoy the food, the drinks, the presents, the fun, and most of all, the time spent with loved ones.&nbsp; It really is more about the "presence"&nbsp; than the "presents"!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPnVZKEKMI/Wj0bQg4GQvI/AAAAAAAATCQ/Bhshzck3inoHwRRauvt5uCPomn45hJPSACEwYBhgL/s1600/Christmas%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1504" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNPnVZKEKMI/Wj0bQg4GQvI/AAAAAAAATCQ/Bhshzck3inoHwRRauvt5uCPomn45hJPSACEwYBhgL/s400/Christmas%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMALS!!! SEE YA IN 2018!!! XOXOJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-22227638408749553272017-12-14T11:08:00.001-05:002017-12-14T14:09:28.712-05:00The Wishlist: 2017How are we all doing with the Christmas shopping?&nbsp; Are you feeling good about it?&nbsp; Are you done?&nbsp; I have to say, I felt like I was <i>really</i> on the ball this year.&nbsp; I started my shopping in early November, and basically finished on Black Friday.&nbsp; I took a day off work last week to complete a few odds and ends and stocking stuffers, things I couldn't get on-line, and with that I was completely, totally FINISHED.&nbsp; Man, it felt good.&nbsp; I'm so looking forward to setting up my little elfie workshop on Saturday, putting a Christmas movie on, pouring some rum &amp; egg nog, and getting my wrapping done!!<br /><br />So, as I prepare myself to wrap on Saturday, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to share my Christmas Wishlist this year!!&nbsp; Confession:&nbsp; I was almost,<i>&nbsp;almost</i>&nbsp;tempted to suggest no gifts this year.&nbsp; Just buy for the kids.&nbsp; I have a feeling my family would have jumped at it, but there's still that little smidge of kid left in me, and I just couldn't get my head around not having anything to open on Christmas morning.&nbsp; I'm getting close, though... maybe, just maybe, I'm almost grown up??<br /><br />Here's the usual disclaimer:&nbsp; Gifts are not important.&nbsp; What IS important is the love and time spent with family and friends during the holiday season.&nbsp; I do not expect to receive everything on my list, I just put it together for fun as little "wants" cross my mind.&nbsp; Once again, I'm extremely grateful that as I get older, my list is made up more and more of just simple "wants" rather than "needs".&nbsp; I am fortunate and blessed.<br /><br />But a girl still needs a few ribbons and bows beneath the tree, am I right?!?&nbsp; So here it is, without further ado... My 2017 Wishlist:<br /><br /><b>A Mark Stone Sens T-shirt</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOa07jF4yLo/WjKb0TzKreI/AAAAAAAAS_0/hu89caKvGJ057yD1L-yZfEe6Rm7KucnWACLcBGAs/s1600/mark%2Bstone%2Btshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOa07jF4yLo/WjKb0TzKreI/AAAAAAAAS_0/hu89caKvGJ057yD1L-yZfEe6Rm7KucnWACLcBGAs/s320/mark%2Bstone%2Btshirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I made my Wishlist before the Sens went into the crapper.&nbsp; *sigh*&nbsp; It's been a rough couple of weeks to be a Sens fan.&nbsp; BUT...Mark Stone still rocks my world, and I'd proudly wear his name and number on my back!!<br /><b><br /></b><b>Gord Downie's "Secret Path" Album</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk2zrtiP1Ro/WjKcA-twVZI/AAAAAAAAS_4/1yCbi211vxU6HUR9V4VgbtBs09p1V0NaACLcBGAs/s1600/secret%2Bpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk2zrtiP1Ro/WjKcA-twVZI/AAAAAAAAS_4/1yCbi211vxU6HUR9V4VgbtBs09p1V0NaACLcBGAs/s320/secret%2Bpath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's no secret that I was deeply saddened by the loss of The Tragically Hip's frontman, Gord Downie, this past fall.&nbsp; I've been a huge fan of Gord's music since my early teen years.&nbsp; I have made an effort to purchase all of The Hip's work that has been produced to date, but I have yet to buy Gord's "Secret Path" project, which became his driving life force in his final months.&nbsp; Despite battling terminal brain cancer, Gord Downie put his heart and soul into helping the Canadian Indigenous people who have suffered mightily, and told the story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who died trying to escape from a Residential School&nbsp; in the 1960's.&nbsp; I watched Gord's live performance of the songs, as it was televised several days after his death, and found the music and lyrics to be gut-wrenching and beautiful.&nbsp; My favourite track is "Son".&nbsp; I'd love to be able to sit down and immerse myself in the album at home.<br /><br /><b>SweetLegs Leggings</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqmH_YgCqlE/WjKcRO9m8HI/AAAAAAAAS_8/aznmAZ0phJ8k9XlGyybXhsLGYzicjgh4wCLcBGAs/s1600/SweetLegs-SIG8881_150x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqmH_YgCqlE/WjKcRO9m8HI/AAAAAAAAS_8/aznmAZ0phJ8k9XlGyybXhsLGYzicjgh4wCLcBGAs/s1600/SweetLegs-SIG8881_150x.jpg" /></a></div><br />I don't know how it happened, but I have become a leggings girl.&nbsp; I own multiple pairs and from different stores and brands, but so far, SweetLegs are by far my favourite.&nbsp; I love them so much, I almost became a rep for the company this past fall.&nbsp; A new pair would never go to waste in my closet!!<br /><br /><b>A long, black tunic-style sweater to wear with leggings</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq9zQlonFt0/WjKd0eZ4hUI/AAAAAAAATAM/J26UlRWIrDgbjh0c39mnigq4c6zFu_RywCLcBGAs/s1600/black%2Btunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq9zQlonFt0/WjKd0eZ4hUI/AAAAAAAATAM/J26UlRWIrDgbjh0c39mnigq4c6zFu_RywCLcBGAs/s320/black%2Btunic.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />For a girl who owns as many leggings as I do, it's kind of a key wardrobe component that I am missing.&nbsp; Here's hoping Santa can find me one that will suit my style!!<br /><br /><b>Book Club books for 2018</b><br /><br />Our book club selections have been made for 2018, and as usual, I'm hoping to get one or two for Christmas!&nbsp; This year's books that I need are:<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Christine-Stephen-King/dp/1501143719" target="_blank">Christine by Stephen King</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/They-Called-Number-One-Residential/dp/0889227411/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513266712&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=they+called+me+number+one" target="_blank">They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Child-Finder-Rene-Denfeld-ebook/dp/B01MXXD96E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513266732&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+child+finder" target="_blank">The Child Finder by Rene Denfield</a><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Kind-Worth-Killing-Novel-ebook/dp/B00JOFW596/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1513266771&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+kind+worth+killing" target="_blank">The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson</a><br /><br /><b>iTunes Gift Cards</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayrgT2MWdXs/WjKefESvrlI/AAAAAAAATAU/Vvf11z4v1Ecf1LxIO_i-qD_hMh6Dx5_iwCLcBGAs/s1600/itunes%2Bgift%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayrgT2MWdXs/WjKefESvrlI/AAAAAAAATAU/Vvf11z4v1Ecf1LxIO_i-qD_hMh6Dx5_iwCLcBGAs/s1600/itunes%2Bgift%2Bcard.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm not a big fan of gift cards for Christmas, but since I rarely buy CD's anymore, an iTunes gift card definitely comes in handy!&nbsp; I've been holding off on downloading Taylor Swift's new album, so if I got a gift card for Christmas, I know what I would put it towards!<br /><br /><b>A Nutcracker decoration</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAZNlVbpS8I/WjKepNsWMpI/AAAAAAAATAY/GcP-VgyURZQsaA-9xOUpdhzgG-r7bu_8gCLcBGAs/s1600/nutcrackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAZNlVbpS8I/WjKepNsWMpI/AAAAAAAATAY/GcP-VgyURZQsaA-9xOUpdhzgG-r7bu_8gCLcBGAs/s320/nutcrackers.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><br />This has become the new "breadmaker" on my list.&nbsp; Every year, I wish for a Nutcracker - because I swear, it's the only Christmas decoration I do not have!!&nbsp; The problem is, I'd like a fairly big, substantial Nutcracker - one that can stand int he corner of the room or beside the tree - and they are pricey, usually way over our spending cap.&nbsp; I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for one on sale after Christmas, though!<br /><br /><b>A Salad Spinner</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouhEbooRmYE/WjKexzhEJ4I/AAAAAAAATAc/YToUSocE4fYvN0NkWzHg_EbhyVxIrh7VQCLcBGAs/s1600/salad%2Bspinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouhEbooRmYE/WjKexzhEJ4I/AAAAAAAATAc/YToUSocE4fYvN0NkWzHg_EbhyVxIrh7VQCLcBGAs/s1600/salad%2Bspinner.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ugh.&nbsp; I hate salad, you guys.&nbsp; But part of the reason why I hate salad is that I hate <i>making</i>&nbsp;salad.&nbsp; And washing the lettuce is such a pain in the ass job!&nbsp; Would I enjoy salads more if I had a spinner that made washing the lettuce easier?&nbsp; I don't know.&nbsp; Maybe.<br /><br /><b>An Instant Pot</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pq-XecEDCU/WjKfAFG7TEI/AAAAAAAATAk/2YlOEW3s2bYrnsLb0ywTHfM7x7C5fURlACLcBGAs/s1600/instant%2Bpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pq-XecEDCU/WjKfAFG7TEI/AAAAAAAATAk/2YlOEW3s2bYrnsLb0ywTHfM7x7C5fURlACLcBGAs/s320/instant%2Bpot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My family is going to read this and say, "Huh?&nbsp; What?&nbsp; She did not have this on her list!!"&nbsp; But it's a new addition.&nbsp; And honestly, I'm torn on it.&nbsp; I have friends who swear by them and say they are miracle machines.&nbsp; And I do think there's a huge advantage to having one, in that I always forget to take stuff out of the freezer in the morning to defrost.&nbsp; They tell me an Instant Pot works wonders on frozen food in a short amount of time.&nbsp; But. BUT!&nbsp; I'm single.&nbsp; I have no one else to feed.&nbsp; I never use my slow cooker.&nbsp; It's yet another kitchen appliance to find a place for.&nbsp; (Literally, my breadmaker is sitting on the floor in the corner.&nbsp; I use it - LOTS - but I have no place to store it.)&nbsp; How often would I actually make use of it?&nbsp; I just don't know...<br /><br /><b>Socks</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yelcC23II/WjKflmwju8I/AAAAAAAATAs/G8wEXIHempomgd59vd97CjRJQ28SxrnTQCLcBGAs/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="340" height="254" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4yelcC23II/WjKflmwju8I/AAAAAAAATAs/G8wEXIHempomgd59vd97CjRJQ28SxrnTQCLcBGAs/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />And while any old socks would do, I especially have had my eye on those ones with funny messages on the soles of them.&nbsp; I think they're so cute.<br /><br /><b>PJ's</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDFKPNRNSc/WjKg0kQmNaI/AAAAAAAATA4/GGXJyhmTSYUwPVOQ4T-r6qp2_G9TgJ-nwCLcBGAs/s1600/PJ-Couture-Women%2527s-Polar-Fleece-Pajamas-and-Blanket-Gift-Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDFKPNRNSc/WjKg0kQmNaI/AAAAAAAATA4/GGXJyhmTSYUwPVOQ4T-r6qp2_G9TgJ-nwCLcBGAs/s1600/PJ-Couture-Women%2527s-Polar-Fleece-Pajamas-and-Blanket-Gift-Set.jpg" /></a></div><br />Who couldn't use a new pair of jammies?<br /><br /><b>A slotted metal spoon</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3Z0dl6fzug/WjKhNr4h-zI/AAAAAAAATA8/9gFYnN3MBeET07b7QmDRN0K__hKq6dasACLcBGAs/s1600/slotted%2Bspoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="500" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3Z0dl6fzug/WjKhNr4h-zI/AAAAAAAATA8/9gFYnN3MBeET07b7QmDRN0K__hKq6dasACLcBGAs/s320/slotted%2Bspoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />One of those stupid little kitchen things that you never think of until you need one...<br /><br /><b>A panda mug that changes colours when you pour hot water into it</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTysf1RKfkE/WjKhYfEh3bI/AAAAAAAATBE/NIxJsr6nRwERgXfe7j6S3MuuIvoU8FWAgCLcBGAs/s1600/panda%2Bmug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTysf1RKfkE/WjKhYfEh3bI/AAAAAAAATBE/NIxJsr6nRwERgXfe7j6S3MuuIvoU8FWAgCLcBGAs/s320/panda%2Bmug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm a sucker for mugs.&nbsp; Do I need more mugs?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; I don't have room in my cupboards for the mugs I have.&nbsp; But I've been in love with this one ever since I heard about it.&nbsp; Please, Santa??&nbsp; Please????<br /><br /><b>An electric hand mixer</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2TMSp66Ydc/WjKhjomSS7I/AAAAAAAATBI/iGV1JZloAN4Xrf6uUxqBtAT9HJO4szOawCLcBGAs/s1600/hand%2Bmixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2TMSp66Ydc/WjKhjomSS7I/AAAAAAAATBI/iGV1JZloAN4Xrf6uUxqBtAT9HJO4szOawCLcBGAs/s320/hand%2Bmixer.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />I have a hand mixer, one that works quite well in fact, but my beaters are in bad shape.&nbsp; They're kind of starting to rust.&nbsp; Might be time to get myself a new one...<br /><br /><b>A&nbsp; board game, something like Clue</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njh716RlLk/WjKhtoxZtfI/AAAAAAAATBM/I79wmwDbXRcFJL2cmR2igSw3XwUC4ot8wCLcBGAs/s1600/clue%2Bgame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0njh716RlLk/WjKhtoxZtfI/AAAAAAAATBM/I79wmwDbXRcFJL2cmR2igSw3XwUC4ot8wCLcBGAs/s1600/clue%2Bgame.jpg" /></a></div><br />I know.&nbsp; I hate games.&nbsp; Why would I ask for a game?&nbsp; Well, it has dawned on me that I have, like, ZERO games.&nbsp; And I keep thinking it might be fun to organize a game night this winter with friends, or have some at my place if the kids are ever over visiting.&nbsp; I have fond memories of playing Clue as a kid, so that's the one that came to mind.&nbsp; I think it would be fun to introduce to Caden and Danica over the holiday season, as I'm hoping to have them for a sleepover at some point.<br /><br /><b>Gift cards for the movie theatre</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5fkOgSwb8/WjKh5Y1-LDI/AAAAAAAATBU/fXwzGkxXpJotQLzFYm5SahZ3-dECFh6mgCLcBGAs/s1600/cineplex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey5fkOgSwb8/WjKh5Y1-LDI/AAAAAAAATBU/fXwzGkxXpJotQLzFYm5SahZ3-dECFh6mgCLcBGAs/s1600/cineplex.jpg" /></a></div><br />Another thing I'm hoping to do over the holidays is go to the MOVIES!!!&nbsp; God, I love going to the movies.&nbsp; I'd love to take the kids to see Ferdinand, and I'm also dying to see Pitch Perfect 3 or The Greatest Showman.&nbsp; Gift cards to the movies are never a bad gift when it comes to me!!<br /><br />Well, I think that's it.&nbsp; And that's quite long enough.&nbsp; I'd be thrilled if I even just got one or two things off this list.&nbsp; It's all fun stuff (except for maybe the salad spinner, but hey, I know one of those 2018 resolutions will be to lose weight, and what better way to do that than with salad?&nbsp; BLAH.)<br /><br />What's on YOUR 2017 Wishlist??Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-76771655650207470562017-12-12T13:11:00.003-05:002017-12-12T13:11:52.792-05:00Tuesday Randoms: Hollying & JollyingOh, you guys!!&nbsp; I'm just having so much fun hollying &amp; jollying these days!&nbsp; &nbsp;The past few weeks have been brimming with fun Christmas activities and events.&nbsp; And over the past few days, it has finally SNOWED!!!&nbsp; My heart is overjoyed!!<br /><br />Here's some random for this snowy, festive Tuesday:<br /><br /><ul><li>So, I intended today's post to be a photo dump of all the fun Christmassy things I've been up to these past few weeks, but my iCloud is not co-operating.&nbsp; Every picture I save, it says, "Failed - No File".&nbsp; And I'm like, "um, hello, iCloud, the file is RIGHT THERE.&nbsp; Come on."&nbsp; Bah.&nbsp; So I do apologize for this picture-less post.&nbsp; I don't know what to do about the iCloud issue.</li><li>I have literally been having a ball these past few weeks getting my Christmas on.&nbsp; Parties with friends &amp; family, cookie exchange, book club, Christmas House Tour, Santa Claus Parade, and so on... It's been wonderful!!&nbsp; That said, things are kind of winding down a bit, and I'm really excited about that too... quieter evenings and weekends to spend sipping hot tea or rum &amp; egg nog, making last-minute goodies in the kitchen, wrapping gifts, watching movies... I enjoy the quiet, peaceful moments of the holiday season just as much, and I'm going to embrace them.</li><li>This past Saturday, I had a baking day with my mom.&nbsp; Every year, I demand that she make Grandma's iced sugar cookies, and every year she laments that they are a pain to make and she hates doing it.&nbsp; I decided this year to ask for a lesson, so that one of these years when she absolutely refuses to make them, I'll at least have an idea of how to go about it!&nbsp; We ended up having a wonderful day in her kitchen, rolling out the dough, choosing cookie cutters to use, and then icing and "sprinkling" them once they had cooled.&nbsp; Mom says the job goes better with two people, and it went so smoothly she wondered if maybe Grandma was supervising us... I'd like to think she was!&nbsp; I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.</li><li>I took last Thursday off to finish my Christmas shopping, and I'd say I'm literally 99% done.&nbsp; I still need to do one final grocery trip for fun Christmas snacks and booze, and a few little touches to complete a couple of gifts, but otherwise... DONE!&nbsp; I intend on doing the bulk of the wrapping on Saturday, but I am still waiting on a few parcels to arrive.. I'm hoping to have them by Saturday, but I'm not 100% sure I will.&nbsp; Which kind of makes me panic, but I keep reminding myself there's still another whole WEEK for them to arrive.&nbsp; There's time.</li><li>Things I've really been enjoying this Christmas season:&nbsp; My David's Tea Advent Calendar that was gifted to me; my giant elf, Lyndonne, running around and getting into mischief (Lyndonne is on the Loose!!); taking time each evening to watch something Christmassy on TV (whether it be part of a movie, a TV special, anything holiday related); the pine cone Advent Calendar that was handed out at church last week with a little message to read each day; the Pentatonix Christmas album I downloaded from iTunes. Little things that are making my heart happy and full right now.</li><li>On Sunday, we celebrated my niece Danica's birthday, as she will be turning 9 on Friday.&nbsp; It gives me a little pang to think that my wee girl is turning 9... the years just fly by so fast!&nbsp; We had a great afternoon of family time, and it made me feel so good.&nbsp; It would also have been my dad's birthday on Sunday, so it was nice to spend the day together, all of us.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Have I mentioned that I'm happy it's snowing?&nbsp; I'm SO HAPPY IT'S SNOWING!!&nbsp; And we have cold temps predicted from now until Christmas, so I think the odds of having a White Christmas are pretty much in my favour... Woo Hoo!!</li></ul><div>Well, I think that's about it today!&nbsp; What's going on in your world??</div><br /><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-73722349329654139272017-12-01T10:42:00.002-05:002017-12-01T10:42:46.235-05:00Hello, December!!!Happy Friday friends!!&nbsp; And HAPPY DECEMBER!!!&nbsp;<br /><br />I admit, I'm feeling a little rough today.&nbsp; I curled late game last night, and we seemed to have to do a pile of sweeping. LOL&nbsp; My arms are like jelly, but on top of that, I'm always too wound up post-curling, and end up staying up way later than I normally would.&nbsp; Last night, it was 1 AM before I finally konked out.&nbsp; And I didn't even have a drink, but I feel hungover.&nbsp; Just tired and achy.&nbsp; Blech.&nbsp; (but we won, so... worth it? I guess?)<br /><br />Anyways, whatever.&nbsp; No time to be tired and hungover today, because it's FRIDAY!&nbsp; And it's DECEMBER 1st!!!&nbsp; So much excitement going down in the coming days, I can't even contain myself!!!&nbsp; Here's what up in my world right now:<br /><br /><ul><li>So, I've had this idea brewing in my mind since last December, when several of my friends were posting the daily shenanigans of their Elf on the Shelf elves.&nbsp; I have this giant elf that my aunt won in a silent auction and then gave to me.&nbsp; Most of my friends and relatives think he's creepy AF, but I think he's quite delightful and I have learned to enjoy tormenting the general public with my giant creepy elf.&nbsp; So, I thought, "Wouldn't it be funny if Lyndonne got into mischief too?"&nbsp; I thought it might get a few laughs if I started posting my big ol' elf getting into things during the month of December.&nbsp; The idea would cross my mind every now and then throughout the year, and I would smile and think, "yeah, that'll be fun".&nbsp; It wasn't until I brought Lyndonne out of storage a week ago that I suddenly realize, "Crap.&nbsp; I actually have to come up with stuff for a giant elf to do!!"&nbsp; The idea has blossomed, and I have a list of fun for Lyndonne to get into over the coming weeks.&nbsp; I was so excited to get up this morning and post Day 1.&nbsp; Lyndonne is ON THE LOOSE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjDj7dDSOE/WiF3WOxT7LI/AAAAAAAAS-s/hgnaq2cKox00YPhJhcEPR2ff07-PyOwrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Lyndonne%2Bon%2Bthe%2BLoose%2BDay%2B1%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhjDj7dDSOE/WiF3WOxT7LI/AAAAAAAAS-s/hgnaq2cKox00YPhJhcEPR2ff07-PyOwrgCLcBGAs/s400/Lyndonne%2Bon%2Bthe%2BLoose%2BDay%2B1%2B2017.png" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>I also got to have chocolate for breakfast.&nbsp; Nothing quite as exciting as opening that first little door on the el-cheapo Advent Calendar!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY_9GfJGuY0/WiF3jyMU99I/AAAAAAAAS-w/RKKJ4xibBdAihYFae_IUXH4kCBsVe04fQCLcBGAs/s1600/Advent%2BCalendar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY_9GfJGuY0/WiF3jyMU99I/AAAAAAAAS-w/RKKJ4xibBdAihYFae_IUXH4kCBsVe04fQCLcBGAs/s320/Advent%2BCalendar.png" width="256" /></a></div></li><li>I also have a "big girl" Advent Calendar... a David's Tea Advent Calendar that was gifted to me!!&nbsp; I've been dying to crack into it, and I excitedly removed the little Day 1 tin of "Let It Snow" tea to bring to work with me today.&nbsp; Can't wait to try it out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbZdABBdv-g/WiF35lY09BI/AAAAAAAAS-4/E52rjmwV7BUyoQhCnVeA4wJO6cHvfd7cACLcBGAs/s1600/david%2527s%2Btea%2Badvent%2Bcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbZdABBdv-g/WiF35lY09BI/AAAAAAAAS-4/E52rjmwV7BUyoQhCnVeA4wJO6cHvfd7cACLcBGAs/s320/david%2527s%2Btea%2Badvent%2Bcalendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>I'm hoping to have time for a quick nap after work today to re-charge the batteries, then I will be off to the annual Cookie Exchange I take part in at my friend Sharon's, and I'm very much looking forward to it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRWC5VsNtj4/WiF4GMIRkKI/AAAAAAAAS-8/CZ1k-pG99sA8RKZWRSTWLNP2F340QLwoQCLcBGAs/s1600/cookie%2Bexchange.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="785" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRWC5VsNtj4/WiF4GMIRkKI/AAAAAAAAS-8/CZ1k-pG99sA8RKZWRSTWLNP2F340QLwoQCLcBGAs/s320/cookie%2Bexchange.png" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>Tomorrow will be a day of tidying up the house and prepping, as the ladies will be arriving late afternoon for our annual Christmas get-together!&nbsp; This year, we are having a Mitten Mayhem party - where you take a pair of mittens or gloves and fill them with little Christmas goodies, and then play a game to exchange the mittens.&nbsp; (Which reminds me... I need to look up a game to play for the exchange!)&nbsp; There will be delicious snacks, and...well...probably not a whole lot of drinks, as many of my friends are currently expecting babies, but I still expect it to be lots of fun and have lots of laughs!</li><li>Sunday will be church, and then another day of prepping, this time for the Christmas House Tour!!&nbsp; No, I'm not actually <i>on </i>the tour, but as one of the main organizers, there's still plenty to be done.&nbsp; Sorting out last-minute tickets sales, delivering the door prizes to the home owners who are on the Tour this year, making food for the refreshment table... I'm sure it will all keep me busy!</li><li>And then Monday is the Christmas House Tour!!&nbsp; One of my favourite events of the holiday season!!&nbsp; Our church has been hosting this Tour for years, and I've personally been involved in the organization of it for quite a while now.&nbsp; I so look forward to seeing the beautifully decorated homes, and greeting everyone out that night.&nbsp; Such a festive, put-me-in-the-spirit kind of night!&nbsp; Can't wait!!</li></ul><div>There's been a lot going on the past few weeks, and while I'm soaking it all up and enjoying every minute, I am also kind of looking forward to a quieter week next week once House Tour is over... Still have Christmas Book Club Potluck coming up, but then I think most of my big Christmas parties and events are over and I'll be able to settle in, hunker down, wrap and watch movies and sip some rum &amp; egg nog... mmm.&nbsp; Bliss!!!</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-3380997995556142312017-11-28T13:01:00.002-05:002017-11-28T13:01:43.434-05:00Tuesday Randoms: Christmas in the air...Hey folks!<br /><br />Well, I have to admit, I'm feeling a little on the cruddy side today.&nbsp; I developed a cough about a week ago, and it seems to be at its worst today.&nbsp; Weirdest "illness" I think I've ever had.&nbsp; No sore throat, no other cold symptoms, just a deep cough that seems to come from the very bottom of my lungs. ugh.&nbsp; Last night was the first time it has kept me up at night.&nbsp; I couldn't stop coughing, and Halls were doing nothing to help because it isn't coming from my throat, it's from deeper in my chest.&nbsp; So I'm feeling a little rough today because of it.<br /><br />But I have NO TIME to have the Black Lung right now!&nbsp; I'm carrying on as if it does not exist!&nbsp; As I mentioned last week, the Christmassing began on the weekend and the next few weeks are jam-packed with festivities!!&nbsp; IT'S MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR!!!!<br /><br />So, yes, I survived the first really Christmassy weekend of the year.&nbsp; Friday evening I did a quick shopping trip to the city, and as it turns out, it wasn't as crazy as I expected for Black Friday.&nbsp; I swear, the Friday before was worse.&nbsp; It was fast and productive.<br /><br />Saturday morning, I got up early (earlier than I normally would on a Saturday) so that I could get a good start on my Christmas baking.&nbsp; I opted out of going to the Pine Lodge Christmas Market so that I could give my cookies 100% of my attention.&nbsp; I got about 10 dozen cookies made total, several different varieties, and felt very accomplished.&nbsp; My heart is SO happy when I'm baking Christmas cookies and listening to Christmas music!&nbsp; It was my kind of heaven.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfQ3mwkdtws/Wh2kCUDJAxI/AAAAAAAAS-E/Jqy4BSYLRigGUres0sbwhizUBx2kRr5pgCLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2BCookies%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1048" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfQ3mwkdtws/Wh2kCUDJAxI/AAAAAAAAS-E/Jqy4BSYLRigGUres0sbwhizUBx2kRr5pgCLcBGAs/s400/Christmas%2BCookies%2B2017.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I had done as much as I could with the time I had by mid-afternoon, and decided instead of starting into another batch that a nap was a better idea.&nbsp; I needed to be rested, because our company Christmas party was that evening.&nbsp; I got a nice snooze in, and it was much-needed.<br /><br />The party was AWESOME!&nbsp; I can't remember the last time I drank and danced like that.&nbsp; Seriously.&nbsp; The meal was delicious, the company was wonderful, and the band literally had me dancing all.night.long.&nbsp; It kind of went exactly as I hoped - I had fun, I let loose, but I didn't go completely bonkers.&nbsp; I drank lots of water in between the rum &amp; cokes and the jagerbombs, so I woke up the next morning feeling not half bad.&nbsp; My biggest fear was getting sick, and I avoided that, so... WIN!&nbsp; Most fun I've had in a long time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGBRc6BHqpc/Wh2kNwCiJAI/AAAAAAAAS-M/vHAUNlJftnU9DH-4LtsB30K0bS-FjMGVQCLcBGAs/s1600/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1047" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGBRc6BHqpc/Wh2kNwCiJAI/AAAAAAAAS-M/vHAUNlJftnU9DH-4LtsB30K0bS-FjMGVQCLcBGAs/s400/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCs2fNjHr3o/Wh2kN4LnUMI/AAAAAAAAS-I/E0KfszI1t6slQiEEqV7RRWCN_fr_tN5YwCLcBGAs/s1600/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1047" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCs2fNjHr3o/Wh2kN4LnUMI/AAAAAAAAS-I/E0KfszI1t6slQiEEqV7RRWCN_fr_tN5YwCLcBGAs/s400/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuqcvQhAk9o/Wh2kOJGF4vI/AAAAAAAAS-Q/oErTL22HcSodmpyFtsX3lB-k_ZqvrjutwCLcBGAs/s1600/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1047" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GuqcvQhAk9o/Wh2kOJGF4vI/AAAAAAAAS-Q/oErTL22HcSodmpyFtsX3lB-k_ZqvrjutwCLcBGAs/s400/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.3.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVldFGLWyV0/Wh2kPUGEjWI/AAAAAAAAS-U/SdGU5ERQvzkFzr0UQpMKDL6pqpePU21DQCLcBGAs/s1600/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1047" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVldFGLWyV0/Wh2kPUGEjWI/AAAAAAAAS-U/SdGU5ERQvzkFzr0UQpMKDL6pqpePU21DQCLcBGAs/s400/MVT%2BXmas%2B17.4.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Thanks to all the water I drank, I was able to get up the next morning and at least act like a human being, which was good because I had another full day planned!&nbsp; First up was a very exciting, bustling church service, as we were celebrating the first Sunday of Advent, a baptism, AND communion - and I had been asked to serve communion, so, like I said...I had to act like a human being. lol&nbsp; I made it through that and breakfast, and then we were on our way to the city with the Sunday School to see the movie "The Star".&nbsp; It was super-cute, and it was such a fun bunch, but Jill was slowly going downhill at that point... Danica was being a Susie Seat Kicker behind me and driving me nuts, and at one point I even almost fell asleep.&nbsp; I hung in there, though, and I was so glad I went.&nbsp; It was just the perfect movie to put me in the Christmas spirit!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-_-fLFEBhA/Wh2kZmUqPrI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/cBWB66LNd5o3tjvQt2OfqEiItFR3GnyhQCLcBGAs/s1600/SS%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bmovies%2B2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="960" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-_-fLFEBhA/Wh2kZmUqPrI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/cBWB66LNd5o3tjvQt2OfqEiItFR3GnyhQCLcBGAs/s400/SS%2Bkids%2Bat%2Bmovies%2B2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We went back to my sister's place, and Chris had picked up pizza, so we had a quick bite to eat, but it was starting to snow so we headed for home pretty soon after.&nbsp; I got home and didn't even bother watching the Grey Cup - straight up to bed, where I put a movie on and promptly fell asleep.&nbsp; I don't even think it was 8 PM.&nbsp; This kid is soooo not used to rebounding from a night of partying anymore, that's for sure!<br /><br />I still felt a little hungover yesterday, but I pushed through the day, and even went home and made more cookies after work.&nbsp; I can be a trooper when I want to be lol.&nbsp; Now today I feel even worse, but it's just because of this cough and the bad night's sleep.&nbsp; I'm just going to keep pretending it's not an issue, though, because there's another full weekend ahead of fun stuff... no time to be under the weather!!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-74962396140071996642017-11-24T10:24:00.001-05:002017-11-24T10:24:09.786-05:00Let the Christmasing BEGIN!!!Oh you guys...&nbsp; I've been trying so hard to keep a lid on it.&nbsp; Trying to make out that its "just Christmas Prep Season" and that I <i>know </i>it's too early.&nbsp; But today, it finally feels like it's <i>allowed!!!</i><br /><i><br /></i>Remembrance Day is over.&nbsp; American Thanksgiving is over.&nbsp; With a couple of clicks of my mouse this morning thanks to Black Friday sales, my shopping is mostly finished.&nbsp; (BIG sigh of relief, the shopping part is always the most stressful part!)<br /><br />And now?&nbsp; Now?&nbsp; Now it's...<br /><br />CHRISTMASTIME!!!!!<br /><br />Last weekend might have been my first Christmassy weekend of the season, but this weekend we <i>really </i>kick it into high gear.&nbsp; Here's what I've got on tap:<br /><br />- Tonight, I"m meeting my mom in the city and we're going to do a little shopping.&nbsp; I know, I just said I was almost finished, didn't I?&nbsp; Well, all I'm really looking for is some Christmas treats to fill my mittens for next weekend's Mitten Mayhem Party with friends, so it should be a pretty stress-free shopping trip.&nbsp; Except that I kind of forgot it was Black Friday when I planned this shopping trip... Oh well.&nbsp; We will be in no rush, so hopefully I can calmly handle the shoppers who are still out this evening!&nbsp; Also looking forward to supper out too!<br /><br />- Tomorrow is officially START THE CHRISTMAS BAKING DAY!!!&nbsp; I have all the ingredients, and a whole day to just putter in the kitchen, listening to my Christmas CDs (which I found!&nbsp; woo hoo!!!), and getting my bake on.&nbsp; I'm taking part in a Cookie Exchange next Friday, so I'm hoping to get the bulk of the cookies made tomorrow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMwpJ2LnHg/Whg5Lb0BNPI/AAAAAAAAS9o/mL_pxitMG7wsL_IyRZQ5AR0kcrXnPj4nQCLcBGAs/s1600/christmas%2Bbaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="650" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvMwpJ2LnHg/Whg5Lb0BNPI/AAAAAAAAS9o/mL_pxitMG7wsL_IyRZQ5AR0kcrXnPj4nQCLcBGAs/s400/christmas%2Bbaking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />- There is also a big Christmas Market on not far from home tomorrow that I'm thinking of hitting up.&nbsp; I don't need anything, and I'm pretty tapped out when it comes to the finance department (being done shopping so early is both a blessing and a curse), so it might be best if I don't go and just stick with the baking.&nbsp; But I LOVE the cheerful Christmas feeling at these things, it will be hard to resist.&nbsp; Maybe if I leave the purse at home and just go to enjoy the experience?&nbsp; I just might do that...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AHPsjierko/Whg5TVAT3sI/AAAAAAAAS9s/qJpYc8VhOLkn0b6sMp1fsJKCEK0oYCbpQCLcBGAs/s1600/christmas-markets-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AHPsjierko/Whg5TVAT3sI/AAAAAAAAS9s/qJpYc8VhOLkn0b6sMp1fsJKCEK0oYCbpQCLcBGAs/s400/christmas-markets-tips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />- Tomorrow night is our company Christmas party, which is always what I consider to be the official "kick-off" to Christmas!&nbsp; My first year working here at Mountainview (almost 14 years ago! ack!) I made a deal with some of the guys that I would not sing Christmas carols until the day of the Christmas party.&nbsp; Well guess what, lads... tomorrow is the day!!!&nbsp; I can't wait for the evening out.&nbsp; It's been a long time since I "let my hair down", so to speak, and while I'm not intending to let Sadie out, I do intend on having a good time.&nbsp; Bring it!!!<br /><br />- Sunday is also going to be jam-packed with fun!! Church will be a bustling service, as we are celebrating the first Sunday of Advent and a baptism as well. Advent is my favourite, and I'm so excited for it to finally begin!!<br /><br />- After church, I have a quick meeting with our Lay Supervision Team, and then we'll be off to the movie theatre, as the Sunday School is going to an afternoon showing of "The Star", and I'm tagging along.&nbsp; I love going to the movies, I love this bunch of kids, and I LOVE anything that's related to Christmas. Sign. me. up!!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WHcXRsUwRs/Whg5jaUbFHI/AAAAAAAAS9w/gf-BUkI16XcmBO_Ho3cPKx4uvmwDKGpgwCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WHcXRsUwRs/Whg5jaUbFHI/AAAAAAAAS9w/gf-BUkI16XcmBO_Ho3cPKx4uvmwDKGpgwCLcBGAs/s400/the%2Bstar.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />I'm literally jittery with excitement over all the fun that lies ahead.&nbsp; Let the hollying &amp; jollying BEGIN!!! :)Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-63814054958347984542017-11-16T11:06:00.001-05:002017-11-16T11:06:52.206-05:00Random Thursday Things<br /><ul><li>I actually started writing a completely different blog post this morning.&nbsp; I was having a bit of a vent session because I felt a little bombarded yesterday - I was getting emails from all directions with a variety of requests and questions.&nbsp; When things come firing at me all at once like that, I tend to get overwhelmed and stressed out.&nbsp; But if I write a whole post about it, what good am I doing?&nbsp; Just feeding the beast, right?&nbsp; Today is a new day!&nbsp; I deleted my whole "woe is me" post and decided to move on and let it go.</li><li>So, last night I kind of finished decorating.&nbsp; I say "kind of" because there are a few little touches left to do - I want to add my orange slices to the dining room tree, but I didn't have any oranges last night to make them.&nbsp; I also need to cut out snowflakes for the glass panels of my door.&nbsp; And last but not&nbsp; least, I need to put the garland on the banister, but I need an extra set of hands to help with that one.&nbsp; Otherwise, I'm done, and it feels good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqf5uCkBVSI/Wg23gwENHMI/AAAAAAAAS9M/GFUr6WLmY0U1TiH1Y2Vf7w3jBOK-km-FQCLcBGAs/s1600/Tree%2Bdining%2Broom%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vqf5uCkBVSI/Wg23gwENHMI/AAAAAAAAS9M/GFUr6WLmY0U1TiH1Y2Vf7w3jBOK-km-FQCLcBGAs/s400/Tree%2Bdining%2Broom%2B2017.png" width="318" /></a></div></li><li>You know what does NOT feel good?&nbsp; I can't find my Christmas CD's <i>anywhere</i>.&nbsp; I searched high and low.&nbsp; They are always sitting in the corner of the dining room with my CD player.&nbsp; ALWAYS.&nbsp; And now, suddenly, they are gone. It's as if a weird thief broke in, combed every inch of my home, and took <i>only</i>&nbsp;the small stack of Christmas albums.&nbsp; *sigh*&nbsp; I know this does not seem like a big deal, but I am lost without my Justin Bieber, Blake Shelton, Elvis Presley, and Wayne Ronstadt Christmas CD's.&nbsp; Decorating last night just felt wrong without them.</li><li>I'm a little ridiculously excited about going to Bulk Barn tomorrow after work.&nbsp; I've come a long way from<a href="http://jills-world.blogspot.ca/2015/11/i-bulk-barn.html" target="_blank"> the first time I tried to buy stuff at Bulk Barn</a>.&nbsp; I still have a little anxiety over worrying that I'm buying too little or too much - I'm really not good at the "eyeballing" thing! - but the savings in buying it this way is worth that anxiety.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>I'm a little disappointed that the chip wagon in town closed earlier this week.&nbsp; I had been planning on having one last snack this coming weekend.&nbsp; Now I guess I'll just have to dream about that poutine all winter long... *sigh*</li><li>I'm very excited to get my bake on next week.&nbsp; Now that the decorating part is done, I am excited to start checking things off the baking list!&nbsp; I'm taking part in a Cookie Exchange on December 1st, so there's no time to waste.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>One of the things on my Christmas Bucket List is:&nbsp; "Make Grandma's Iced Sugar Cookies with Mom".&nbsp; My Grandma made the best iced sugar cookies in the world, and now Mom makes them to keep the tradition alive.&nbsp; However, I know Mom finds them a pain in the butt to make, and only does them because she knows how much I love them.&nbsp; I have never learned how to make them, so I think it's about time I learn!&nbsp; I'm hoping to make a date with her for a lesson, maybe December 9-10 weekend.&nbsp; I think every weekend is completely booked prior to that...</li><li>I'm not gonna lie, I'm starting to get very excited for Christmas get-togethers!&nbsp; This year, I think I'm getting wound up about it extra-early because of this one I'm going to on Saturday night.&nbsp; Usually the MVT Christmas Party is my first of the season (always the last weekend of November), but not this year!&nbsp; It makes me feel like I can bust out the hollying &amp; jollying even earlier!!&nbsp; Woo Hoo!!!</li></ul>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-30318834857233619762017-11-15T11:11:00.001-05:002017-11-15T11:11:25.970-05:00What I'm Loving WednesdayHappy Wednesday friends!&nbsp; I'm trying to get back into blogging on a more regular basis (I've been hit-or-miss at best for the past few months) - so today I'm sharing what I'm loving this Wednesday!!<br /><br /><ul><li>The Grinch mug that I picked up at the Onslow Christmas Craft Sale on Saturday!&nbsp; I've been sipping coffee from it all week at work.&nbsp; And the saying on it couldn't be more true... lol!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WEWyttDxeZo/WgxlGeJR_AI/AAAAAAAAS8s/Piqe1lHxr2ESaEZ86x_RIiAoN2ZgUtx7gCLcBGAs/s1600/grinch%2Bmug.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WEWyttDxeZo/WgxlGeJR_AI/AAAAAAAAS8s/Piqe1lHxr2ESaEZ86x_RIiAoN2ZgUtx7gCLcBGAs/s400/grinch%2Bmug.png" width="400" /></a></div></li><li>That my Christmas tree is up and the rest of the house is well on it's way to being fully decorated.&nbsp; I truly do LOVE the cozy, Christmassy feel of my home when it's decorated for the holiday season.&nbsp; Tonight I'm planning to decorate the dining room and kitchen, and then I'll be mostly finished.</li><li>My Christmas Bucket List!&nbsp; I shared it on Instagram on the weekend, and so many of my friends commented on what a good idea it is.&nbsp; (I have <a href="http://kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Kelle at Enjoying the Small Things</a> to thank for the idea).&nbsp; I can't wait to start checking things off!</li><li>My new dark "winter hair".&nbsp; I usually tone down my blonde with some lowlights for the winter, but this is the first time in a few years that I've gone totally dark.&nbsp; I had to go back to my hairdresser last night, as there was still some blonde showing through and in certain light, the blonde pieces were looking green, so she darkened it all back up.&nbsp; It's a refreshing change for the winter months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-972RHAu7VKo/Wgxm2LoiEwI/AAAAAAAAS84/6GnNH1llwpgNlglDDKSJpx808Vp7AgIwgCLcBGAs/s1600/winter%2Bhair%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="785" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-972RHAu7VKo/Wgxm2LoiEwI/AAAAAAAAS84/6GnNH1llwpgNlglDDKSJpx808Vp7AgIwgCLcBGAs/s320/winter%2Bhair%2B2017.png" width="320" /></a></div></li><li>My Onslow hoodie &amp; raglan tee that I picked up this weekend!&nbsp; My former elementary school has been selling some new swag, and as a proud former Onslow kid, I knew I had to get some of their merch. As soon as I get home after work, the first thing I do is put on my hoodie!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPnJJXkpyOU/WgxnC5x_NoI/AAAAAAAAS88/5RRdb9izu1k5Cf-D9kem3zQZ_2J8kLBTgCLcBGAs/s1600/onslow%2Bhoodie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="589" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QPnJJXkpyOU/WgxnC5x_NoI/AAAAAAAAS88/5RRdb9izu1k5Cf-D9kem3zQZ_2J8kLBTgCLcBGAs/s320/onslow%2Bhoodie.png" width="240" /></a></div></li><li>That Christmas House Tour plans came together in the end and I'm so excited to visit the houses participating!!&nbsp; It was a stressful few weeks trying to find people, but in the end, I actually ended up with a bonus house - 5 stops instead of the usual 4.&nbsp; We have a nice variety of places this year, and some very creative people participating.&nbsp; Woo hoo!!</li><li>I know it's only Wednesday, but I'm loving the prospect of another fun weekend ahead.&nbsp; Friday evening, I'm planning to head to the city to visit Bulk Barn, to stock up on my Christmas baking necessities.&nbsp; Then I'll come home and make my squares for the next day, because our church is hosting a Harvest Tea. We were unable to have our annual Harvest Supper this year, so we're supplementing with a tea and it will be lovely.&nbsp; Then Saturday night, I have an early Christmas get-together with some friends, and I'm very much looking forward to it!</li></ul><div>What are YOU loving this Wednesday??</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-37019059576957322922017-11-14T09:49:00.001-05:002017-11-14T09:49:31.260-05:00The Christmas prep has begun...I had my first "Christmassy" weekend of the season.&nbsp;<br /><br />I know what you're probably thinking... TOO SOON!&nbsp; TOO SOON!!!&nbsp; But for me?&nbsp; It felt <i>wonderful</i>.<br /><br />I should note that I don't <i>really </i>consider it "Christmastime" yet.&nbsp; I'm just thinking of it more as "Christmas Prep Time".&nbsp; I get easily overwhelmed and flustered when too much is going on at once, and while Christmas is my favourite time of year, it can also be a very busy and stressful time of year.&nbsp; I'm just trying to stay on the ball and keep my plate balanced.&nbsp;<br /><br />Also, I've noticed this year especially that a lot more is happening earlier in the Christmas season.&nbsp; It kind of feels like everyone wants December to be relaxing and care-free, so more and more is getting bumped back into late November/very early December.&nbsp;<br /><br />Which means "Prep Time" has to start earlier.&nbsp;<br /><br />My first "official" Christmas event is actually this coming Saturday.&nbsp; I have an annual get-together with some friends, and this year, it's happening on Nov. 18th.&nbsp; Then the MVT Christmas party is Nov. 25th.&nbsp; I have a Cookie Exchange party booked for Dec. 1st, and another friends Christmas gathering which I'm hosting Dec. 2nd. The Christmas House Tour is Dec. 4th. Then, it's Christmas Book Club pot-luck at my place on the 8th.<br /><br />That's a lot of holiday parties and events loaded into the back end of November and early December.<br /><br />I like it, because it leaves the rest of December wide open for last-minute shopping, wrapping, and cozying up to watch all of my favourite Christmas movies and specials.&nbsp; (I literally get stressed out when I don't have time to watch all the movies. lol)&nbsp; It gives me time to really savour and soak up the best time of the year.<br /><br />But it also just kind of shifts the stress into the month before.&nbsp; Hence why I have to start prepping on November 12th.<br /><br />Yes, that's right.&nbsp; My trees went up on Sunday, and a lot of the decorating is already done.&nbsp; My front hall, living room, bathrooms, and bedroom are pretty much finished.&nbsp; I still have to trim the dining room tree and decorate in there, as well as the kitchen, and also put the garland on the banister, but that will all get done this week, after my decorating injuries have healed.&nbsp; (Yes, you heard me right.&nbsp; The backs of my legs are aching as if I ran a marathon, which I'm assuming is from running up and down the stairs bringing decs out on Sunday).&nbsp; Next week, I will start the baking.&nbsp; I also started the shopping in late October.&nbsp; Far from being done, but it feels good to at least have a good start on it.<br /><br />I have also taken<a href="http://kellehampton.com/2017/11/2017holidaybucketlist.html" target="_blank"> Kelle's lead</a>&nbsp;and created a "Christmas Bucket List" - which isn't really a "bucket list" so much as a "to-do list", but created in a way to increase fun and decrease stress.&nbsp; Little reminders of fun holiday things I like to do, along with the bigger important events mixed in, and I'm already excited to start checking things off.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBCaJB8BVYM/WgsAaBxvr2I/AAAAAAAAS8c/RhB4ZEDF7744ALVslyyerCBX7YV8XcMXACLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2BBucket%2BList%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="785" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBCaJB8BVYM/WgsAaBxvr2I/AAAAAAAAS8c/RhB4ZEDF7744ALVslyyerCBX7YV8XcMXACLcBGAs/s400/Christmas%2BBucket%2BList%2B2017.png" width="400" /></a></div>I feel so much better being on top of things, and if starting the day after Remembrance Day helps accomplish that, then so be it.&nbsp; I know people think I'm crazy - people have told me to my face that they think I'm crazy - but honestly, I look at it as securing my own mental health.&nbsp; I'm doing everything I can to ensure I don't have a pre-Christmas meltdown.<br /><br />And also?&nbsp; I just really <i>love </i>Christmas.&nbsp; So sue me.&nbsp; What harm am I doing to anyone if I enjoy sitting cuddled up on my couch by the glow of the Christmas tree?&nbsp; It's not like I'm forcing it down anyone else's throat.&nbsp; (Well, except for our minister, who kind of has to walk through a Winter Wonderland to get to his office in my front hall right now, haha!)&nbsp; I've even been keeping my blinds closed so that people won't drive by and say, "Christmas tree up?&nbsp; Already?&nbsp; Is she well?"<br /><br />I am well.&nbsp; I am ensuring that I <i>will </i>be well.&nbsp; The Christmas season makes my heart happy, and if I can manage all of the stressful aspects that come with it, then I will, indeed, be <i>very </i>well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWrGrVMeL3s/Wgr-0m4dePI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/B_yMF6-jGR8ErimQ3tn-XEEc8TpPPfENACLcBGAs/s1600/Christmas%2BTree%2B2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWrGrVMeL3s/Wgr-0m4dePI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/B_yMF6-jGR8ErimQ3tn-XEEc8TpPPfENACLcBGAs/s400/Christmas%2BTree%2B2017.png" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cheers to the holiday season!&nbsp; May it be merry for one and all! :)</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-46424273102895941902017-10-27T09:31:00.002-04:002017-10-27T09:31:45.912-04:00A Halloweenie Weekend on TapI'm a little bit sad that it's already the last weekend of October.&nbsp; I LOVE October, and it just seems to have flown by way too fast this year.<br /><br />But here we are.&nbsp; And the last weekend of October is always the best weekend of October.&nbsp; I'm ready to enjoy it!!<br /><br />First up, I have to do a little work.&nbsp; That means, cutting grass as soon as I get home from work today, for what SHOULD be the last time this year.&nbsp; In fact, my grass isn't all that long right at the moment, but I"m afraid if I don't do it now, it'll be long and shaggy and in desperate need of a cut as soon as the snow melts.&nbsp; I usually like to deny that grass cutting time is here for a few weeks once spring has sprung, so the shorter it is now, the better.<br /><br />Once the grass is cut, I'm off to Shawville to grab some groceries and some last-minute odds and ends I need to complete my treat bags for the kiddies!&nbsp; Also, as per usual, I haven't given much thought to a costume, and I'm doing my usual scramble to try and cobble something together.&nbsp; We'll see if the stores up there have anything to offer.<br /><br />Once those Friday chores are complete, it's time for the FUN stuff!&nbsp; My hope is to get my pumpkin carved and treat bags assembled tonight and tomorrow morning.&nbsp; Of course, I plan to do so while watching something spooooky on TV.&nbsp; I'm very tempted to binge Season 2 of Stranger Things, it should be creepy enough!&nbsp; But I could also hit the DVD shelf and go to some of my favourite Halloween movies... it's tradition for me to watch "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" - old Disney version - and I'm also feeling drawn to both Scream and The Amityville Horror (Ryan Reynolds edition, hells yeah) this year.&nbsp; So who knows.&nbsp; Regardless, there will be something spooky on tonight!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agVIf6Y-1-Q/WfM0VfazzAI/AAAAAAAAS7k/TxGnnKY97sw-ASObZN7OLwKXfom_qwWmQCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Blegend%2Bof%2Bsleepy%2Bhollow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-agVIf6Y-1-Q/WfM0VfazzAI/AAAAAAAAS7k/TxGnnKY97sw-ASObZN7OLwKXfom_qwWmQCLcBGAs/s400/the%2Blegend%2Bof%2Bsleepy%2Bhollow.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_iBWTsHBhc/WfM0ZDGkqwI/AAAAAAAAS7o/Ewr41WC6d10FjHbguAD3anBzQKjKrVBgACLcBGAs/s1600/ryan%2Breynolds%2Bamityville%2Bhorror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_iBWTsHBhc/WfM0ZDGkqwI/AAAAAAAAS7o/Ewr41WC6d10FjHbguAD3anBzQKjKrVBgACLcBGAs/s400/ryan%2Breynolds%2Bamityville%2Bhorror.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />You know what else I need to do at some point over the next few days?&nbsp; I have not made ONE pumpkiny thing yet this year.&nbsp; And I came across an old Facebook post where I bragged about "the best pumpkin bread" recipe ever.&nbsp; I need to dig that out and get my bake on!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5LIMCmxbKY/WfM0vGhrokI/AAAAAAAAS7s/W3eQmjRRghoHEUGq1O7y0wjmSC1eu3APgCLcBGAs/s1600/pumpkin%2Bbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5LIMCmxbKY/WfM0vGhrokI/AAAAAAAAS7s/W3eQmjRRghoHEUGq1O7y0wjmSC1eu3APgCLcBGAs/s400/pumpkin%2Bbread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And then, on Saturday, it's Scary Movie Marathon time.&nbsp; One of my favourite days of the year!!&nbsp; This year, Lindsay and I have decided to watch Saw (her choice) and Urban Legend (my choice), as well as Hotel Transylvania for Sammy.&nbsp; I love the fact that we can incorporate Sam into our tradition now, as he loves watching movies!&nbsp; I'm very much looking forward to the pizza and snacks and candy!!&nbsp; Not so much looking forward to Saw... eep!!&nbsp; I usually try to control movie choices and ensure they are ones I've seen before.&nbsp; This is one I have always avoided, and I'm terrified to watch it.&nbsp; Might have to sleep with the lights on for a few nights...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa9NxUFsHzA/WfM1FUcoJmI/AAAAAAAAS70/V3FNGCeeMS8U0YM5ncguSd5Kv538KmwrACLcBGAs/s1600/urban%2Blegend%2Bmovie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="348" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa9NxUFsHzA/WfM1FUcoJmI/AAAAAAAAS70/V3FNGCeeMS8U0YM5ncguSd5Kv538KmwrACLcBGAs/s400/urban%2Blegend%2Bmovie.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiPDcIsr1Rs/WfM1IJpnQ2I/AAAAAAAAS74/OYWt-cExHMUcK16EUPRWKd4rh97kHXPnQCLcBGAs/s1600/saw%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiPDcIsr1Rs/WfM1IJpnQ2I/AAAAAAAAS74/OYWt-cExHMUcK16EUPRWKd4rh97kHXPnQCLcBGAs/s400/saw%2B1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsoQevUJmxI/WfM1K2LYH_I/AAAAAAAAS78/8w1Zq4TMt0AMQ3sZR538P77JcEzNkM36ACLcBGAs/s1600/hotel%2Btransylvania%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="387" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CsoQevUJmxI/WfM1K2LYH_I/AAAAAAAAS78/8w1Zq4TMt0AMQ3sZR538P77JcEzNkM36ACLcBGAs/s400/hotel%2Btransylvania%2B1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />So October might have whistled by at lightening speed, but I'm going to make the last weekend count!&nbsp; Hope you all enjoy a "spooktacular" weekend too! :)<br /><br /><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34275321.post-91006418252322587762017-10-26T10:43:00.000-04:002017-10-26T10:43:05.366-04:00For a Boy In Fiddler's Green<i>He sang, "I'll die before I quit",</i><br /><i>And this guy's the limit...</i><br /><i><br /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>***</i></div><i><br /></i>When you wake up in the morning, you just don't know what the day ahead will bring.<br /><br />Last Wednesday, October 18th, when morning broke and I crawled out of bed, I had no idea it was going to be a day of heartache.&nbsp;<br /><br />It didn't take long for the news to hit, though.&nbsp; I had just arrived at work, settled in at my desk and I was starting my day, when my phone buzzed with a text from Lindsay.<br /><br />I didn't even have to open it.&nbsp; I instantly saw that she had forwarded me a post from The Tragically Hip's Instagram account, and I just knew.<br /><br /><i>Gord's gone.</i><br /><i><br /></i>It was such an odd feeling.&nbsp; A deep sadness, instantly, and yet somehow mixed with a little disbelief.&nbsp; Because even though we all knew the day was coming - a brain cancer diagnosis isn't something you can ignore - I had somehow started to believe that Gord Downie was invincible.&nbsp; That he was going to live forever.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgE_AKETXpg/WfHyn-0Z2lI/AAAAAAAAS7E/JZeQpSMCuvoPy2Di8-3oqxXI12OqdHC5gCLcBGAs/s1600/gord-downie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1180" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgE_AKETXpg/WfHyn-0Z2lI/AAAAAAAAS7E/JZeQpSMCuvoPy2Di8-3oqxXI12OqdHC5gCLcBGAs/s400/gord-downie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The last year and a half of Gord's life, he was such a <i>presence</i>&nbsp;in our country.&nbsp; He didn't just fade away.&nbsp; He went out with a bang.&nbsp; Shortly after revealing to their legion of fans that he had terminal brain cancer, The Tragically Hip embarked on a cross-country tour last summer with Gord at the helm.&nbsp; While The Hip never admitted to it, it was widely thought to be their farewell tour, a chance for the band to say good-bye on their own terms while Gord was still healthy enough to do it.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was a summer-long love-in, one of the most bittersweet experiences of my life, as we fans of The Hip gathered to sing and dance, embrace and cry, and show Gord Downie just how much he meant to us.<br /><br />I'll hold that show in Ottawa last August as one of the best moments of my life.&nbsp; I felt so fortunate to be there, to watch The Hip one last time live.&nbsp; And then sitting in my living room with good friends, watching their final show in Kingston live on CBC, an event like our country has never seen before... well, it still gives me goosebumps to think about it.<br /><br />We cheered, we saluted, and we said good-bye.<br /><br />But that wasn't the last of Gordie.&nbsp; Oh, no.&nbsp; Not by a long shot.<br /><br />Gord Downie then embarked on a personal crusade, which he gave us a glimmer of in those final Hip shows, as he began to plead with the country to start healing our wounds with the First Nations people.&nbsp; He put Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and all of the people across our great country on notice:&nbsp; these wounds are deep, there are people who are still deeply hurting, and it's time for reconciliation.&nbsp; It's time to try making things right.<br /><br />How did he do this?&nbsp; He unveiled a solo project that he called "The Secret Path".&nbsp; It was a body of music and an illustrated book that shared the true story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy in the 1960's who escaped the Residential school he was boarded at and tried to walk home.&nbsp; Chanie never made it, as he died of hunger and exposure.<br /><br />I am ashamed to admit that I was not very educated on the Canadian Indian Residential School System, or the grievances that our country's First Nations people hold over how they were treated for many, many years.&nbsp; I was astounded to find out that the last of the Residential Schools weren't closed until 1996.&nbsp; I had no idea of how poorly they were treated, and how they were forced to assimilate to "White Canadian" in cruel ways.&nbsp;<br /><br />Gord Downie opened all of this to me through "The Secret Path" project.&nbsp;<br /><br />Gord Downie was my teacher.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6y1O2b8lc8/WfHymzuaRqI/AAAAAAAAS6s/16V_gzHGVJQUPrPbvF8pNUpupW4TegB3gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Gord%2BDownie%2BFirst%2BNations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="620" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6y1O2b8lc8/WfHymzuaRqI/AAAAAAAAS6s/16V_gzHGVJQUPrPbvF8pNUpupW4TegB3gCEwYBhgL/s400/Gord%2BDownie%2BFirst%2BNations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Suddenly, Gord Downie was so much more than the lead singer of my favourite band.&nbsp; Gord was doing very important work.&nbsp; Gord was raising awareness, shining a light on a dirty secret our country has tried hard to hide and ignore.<br /><br />Gord was everywhere.&nbsp; The farewell tour was over, but he was still very much in the spotlight.&nbsp; Spotted singing "Lost Together" on stage with Blue Rodeo.&nbsp; Making appearances in select cities to perform "The Secret Path" in concert.&nbsp; Being honoured in an emotional ceremony by the Assembly of First Nations, during which they annointed him "The Man who Walks Among the Stars".&nbsp; Hanging out with Bobby Orr in the stands during the playoffs, watching his beloved Boston Bruins play my beloved Ottawa Senators.<br /><i><br /></i>Gord had been so very present that I hadn't even noticed there had been no appearances or updates on his health in recent months.<br /><br />The news of his death at age 53 was like a swift kick in the gut.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tHHggTCa8o/WfHym58h5-I/AAAAAAAAS6w/o7YoX_GQ1Yk1p4rtjELJbQfg2kI3InLOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Gord-Downie-sitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tHHggTCa8o/WfHym58h5-I/AAAAAAAAS6w/o7YoX_GQ1Yk1p4rtjELJbQfg2kI3InLOwCEwYBhgL/s400/Gord-Downie-sitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the week since, I have immersed myself in all things "Gordie".&nbsp; Listening to my Hip albums on repeat, re-watching the concert from Kingston last summer, watching the documentary "Long Time Running" that had its early televised release on Friday evening, watching the concert performance of "The Secret Path" that was televised on Sunday.<br /><br />Reminiscing.&nbsp; Marveling and reveling at his talent. Giving thanks for this man who did so much.&nbsp; Shedding a few tears over him being taken from us too soon.&nbsp; Celebrating the man, his music, his work.<br /><br /><i>You are ahead by a century...</i><br /><i><br /></i>Thank you, Gord.&nbsp; Thank you for everything.<br /><br />Here's to the Man Who Walks Among the Stars.<br /><br />He will live on in our hearts forever.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woKekzUthjk/WfHynIEMvlI/AAAAAAAAS60/wGMByYXGle48PE54_g1O6JBzUfw_jiaHACEwYBhgL/s1600/gord-downie%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-woKekzUthjk/WfHynIEMvlI/AAAAAAAAS60/wGMByYXGle48PE54_g1O6JBzUfw_jiaHACEwYBhgL/s320/gord-downie%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><i>As Falstaff sings a sorrowful refrain</i><br /><i>For a boy in Fiddler's Green.</i>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11801639163897040531noreply@blogger.com3